Mr Solomon Akwashiki, lawmaker representing Lafia Central Constituency at the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, has advised youths to avoid being used as destructive agents by desperate individuals or groups.
Akwashiki, Chairman, House Committee on Public Accounts, advised on Monday while visiting Mr Abdullahi Bala, General Manager, Nasarawa State Youth Empowerment Scheme (NAYES), at his office in Lafia.
He said while the constitution was not against protests, they must be peaceful and not intended to destroy anybody’s property.
“Protest is constitutional but taking advantage of the protest to kill or destroy other people’s property is criminal, and as a government, we condemn it, and we will never encourage that.
“I want to call on the youths in the state and the country at large to, please, embrace peace and be patient with the government of the day.
“The government is fully aware of the plights being faced by Nigerians and in no distance time, it will come out with more measures that will reduce the pains,” he said.
He used the occasion to call on parents to monitor their children and discourage them from engaging in the ongoing nationwide protest, saying it could turn violent.
“The youths should always embrace peace and be supportive of the government of Gov. Abdullahi Sule because he is doing a lot in the state through his developmental projects.
“Let us continue to give him support to succeed,” he advised.
The lawmaker appreciated the general manager, management and staff of NAYES for doing great, yet urged them to keep it up.
He enjoined them to maintain positive synergy with all arms of the government to ensure good governance in the state.
According to Akwashiki, the state assembly is working round the clock to review the existing law that established the scheme for better results.
“The bill, if it finally becomes a law, will ensure improved welfare of NAYES staff and empower them through skills acquisitions,” he said.
In his response, Bala appreciated the lawmaker for his visit and the assembly’s efforts at renewing the law that established NAYES to make it more active and effective.
He assured his agency’s desire to collaborate with the assembly for quality service delivery and work within the provisions of the law for the overall development of the state.
