Northern coalition urges urgent action to tackle out-of-school children crisis

The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has called on the Federal Government to collaborate with the 36 state governors to urgently tackle the escalating crisis of out-of-school children across Nigeria. The coalition emphasized the need for immediate and effective measures to combat educational disenfranchisement during a press conference held on Tuesday in Bauchi State, led by Com Bello Aminu, Coordinator, and Comrade Hasnim Pali, Secretary.

"The ongoing situation warrants immediate government intervention," the group’s statement highlighted, stressing the critical role of education in national development. The CNG also called for the abolition of International Monetary Fund (IMF) economic policies, which they believe have exacerbated the current socio-economic challenges facing the country.

The coalition insisted that the government must implement economic policies that directly benefit the masses to alleviate the widespread hardship and hunger affecting citizens.

Addressing the ongoing nationwide protests under the hashtag #EndBadGovernmentinNigeria, the coalition expressed deep concern over the unrest. They urged President Bola Tinubu to heed the demands of the protesters, who are exercising their constitutional right to peaceful assembly. “These protests aim to draw attention to serious challenges that have made life unbearable for the common man,” Aminu stated, while urging demonstrators to pursue peace and dialogue in their quest for change.

The coalition outlined specific grievances raised by the protesters, which include the need for the revival of crude oil exploration at the dormant Kolmani Oil Field, an end to kidnapping and banditry in Northern Nigeria, and the reversal of fuel prices to below N300 per liter. They also called for a reduction in tertiary education fees, restoration of affordable electricity tariffs, a rollback of import duties, reform of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), stabilization of foreign exchange rates, and a reduction in inflation. 

The CNG expressed concern regarding some protesters who have been seen waving Russian flags, describing such actions as inappropriate and a potential threat to Nigeria’s democratic fabric. They condemned the recent shift from peaceful demonstrations to violent activities, which have resulted in looting and destruction of public and private properties.

“This is not the way to bring about positive change,” they asserted, urging all protesters to end the violence and return home peacefully.

The coalition highlighted instances of chaos in areas like Azare, the headquarters of Katagum local government, where protests resulted in significant violence and property damage. They called for accountability, urging the government to punish those responsible for the unrest to deter future occurrences.

The coalition reiterated the importance of respecting democratic processes and encouraged citizens to engage in lawful activities while awaiting resolutions to the issues discussed at the conference. “Let me repeat that there will be light at the end of the tunnel,” they affirmed, expressing hope for a brighter future for Nigerians