AYCF, NEN condemn calls for protests to force INEC chairman to resign

Members of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) and the National Emancipation Network (NEN) have condemned the recent threats of street protests in major cities around the world by the United Nigerians in the Diaspora (UND) to call for the resignation of Professor Mahmoud Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmoud Yakubu.

AYCF President General, Yerima Shettima and the Chairman of NEN Suleiman Abbah in separate statements said that the threat is nothing but a sponsored heinous plot to undermine the gains recorded by INEC and the democratic stability attained by Nigeria, saying this malicious attempt must be vehemently resisted.

Shettima said: “The orchestrated campaign also appears to be part of a wider clandestine plot to discredit Nigerian institutions and reverse the populist tendencies of the Bola Tinubu administration.

“It is imperative that we stand against any efforts to destabilize our democracy and tarnish the reputation of those working tirelessly to ensure free and fair elections.”

He lamented that certain individuals in the diaspora are using the platform provided by foreign countries to propagate hate and incite discontent against Nigeria.

AYCF and NEN further condemned their behavior, and called on the international community not to allow their spaces to be used for such nefarious purposes.

“Countries like the United Kingdom and the United States have laws in place to prohibit hate speech and incitement of violence, and it is surprising that they have not taken action against the threats made by UND.”

The northern groups said “as a sovereign country, Nigeria has always maintained friendly and supportive relationships with its international partners. However, the actions of UND are seen as unpatriotic and aimed at destabilizing the peace and unity of Nigeria.”

“In the UK, the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 clearly prohibits anyone from causing alarm or distress by using threatening, abusive, or insulting words or behavior. Similarly, the US laws, as seen in the case of Brandenburg v. Ohio, forbid speech that incites imminent lawless action.”

Shettima stressed further, “the actions of UND clearly fall within the purview of these laws, yet no action has been taken by the authorities in these countries.If the tables were turned, and a US citizen were to call for mass protests against the US on Nigerian soil, the outrage would be palpable. Nigeria would not tolerate such behavior, and the US would vehemently react.”

“It is therefore disappointing that Nigeria’s international partners have allowed their territories to be used as a launching pad for such a campaign against Nigeria.”

“It is imperative that the international community upholds the principles of friendship and mutual respect between nations. Allowing hate speech and incitement against a sovereign country like Nigeria goes against the spirit of diplomacy and international cooperation. Nigeria has always been a loyal friend to its partners, and it is disheartening to see this loyalty not reciprocated in times of need.”

Both AYCF and NEN then called on “the international community to take a stand against the threats made by UND and to uphold the principles of peace, unity, and mutual respect”, pointing out that “Nigeria deserves the support and protection of its international partners, and it is essential that they take action to prevent the spread of hate speech and incitement of violence on their territories.

“Therefore, it is crucial for all Nigerians, both at home and in the diaspora, to remain vigilant and united in denouncing such malicious acts that seek to undermine the progress of our nation. We must uphold the values of democracy, transparency, and accountability, and reject any attempts to sow division and chaos within our society.

“It is imperative that we stand firm in our support of INEC and the democratic process, and not allow such insidious plots to succeed. We must continue to strive for a Nigeria that is built on integrity, fairness, and justice for all.”