“Yoruba Group Supports Protest, Urges Nigerians to Stand Against Bad Governance”

Babatunji Wusu –

The Yoruba Revolutionary Movement (YOREM), a Lagos-based civil society group, has expressed strong support for the planned protests by Nigerians against perceived poor governance. The group asserts that the organizers of these protests are exercising their legitimate constitutional rights.

During a press conference held in Lagos on Saturday, National Coordinator Comrade Wale Balogun emphasized that security forces should respect Nigerians’ rights during and after the protests.

“We are here to counter misleading state-sponsored propaganda suggesting that certain ethnic groups are trying to undermine a so-called Yoruba Presidency and create chaos,” Balogun stated. “This narrative is unfounded and aims to sow discord, divide potential protesters, and mislead the Yoruba people from their historic role in addressing the severe hunger and hardship facing Nigeria today.”

Balogun accused some civil society groups in the South West of compromising their positions and urged Yoruba people to resist such propaganda. He called on them to join other Nigerians who are also enduring significant hardship to advocate for good governance.

“The real adversary is the corrupt elite class, not the impoverished Ndigbo, Hausa, Tiv, Ibariba, Izon, Berom, and others who are struggling amidst abundance,” he said.

Balogun also urged caution from the government and security agencies, stating, “The protesters starting August 1, 2024, are your children, your siblings, your relatives, and your friends. They should not be treated as enemies by those who support detached and irresponsible leaders.”