Protest
“Tinubu Youth Minister Backs Peaceful Protests, Says ‘I Would Join If I Had the Time’”
By Our Correspondent
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has expressed strong desire to join young Nigerians in their ongoing peaceful protests, saying their actions reflect genuine concerns that deserve attention.
He stated that the Federal Government is not against protests, especially when they are peaceful and orderly.
Speaking in Abuja on Monday, the minister said the government understands the frustrations of the youth and supports their right to speak out on national issues.
He explained that freedom of expression is part of every democratic society, and people should be allowed to voice their concerns without fear.
Olawande, however, warned against the destruction of public property during protests.
He urged demonstrators to avoid violence, blockades, or any action that could harm the country’s infrastructure.
According to him, the roads, buildings, and other structures were built for the good of everyone and should not be damaged in the name of protest.
He noted that while the government is ready to listen and respond, there must also be discipline and responsibility from the protesters.
He encouraged them to speak up in ways that do not put lives at risk or affect the progress already made in different sectors.
The minister added that if he had the opportunity, he would be on the streets as well to show support, but peaceful conduct must always come first.
He said, “Everyone has the right to protest. In fact, if I had the time, I would join the protest myself. There is freedom of expression for all. The young people who are protesting have valid reasons—they see certain issues and feel the need to speak up. That’s why they are taking to the streets.
“However, while exercising this right, let it not escalate into something else. We will not allow anyone to destroy the infrastructural developments that support our economy and the progress we’ve made in this country.
“Yes, you have the right to speak, to come out and make your voice heard—even to stand by the roadside—but do not block the roads. Find a peaceful way to express your concerns; people will listen. If I have the opportunity, I’ll be there to speak with them as well.
“Protesting is a normal part of any society, and we are here to listen. No government is saying you shouldn’t protest—but there must be limits and a sense of responsibility.”
By Our Correspondent
Residents of Dukku Local Government Area in Gombe State have taken to the streets in a peaceful protest to express their frustration over the deplorable condition of the Gombe–Dukku road, describing it as “unbearable” and “long neglected” by authorities.
The protesters lamented that the dilapidated state of the road has crippled transportation, disrupted economic activities, and caused untold hardship for motorists and commuters who rely on the route daily.
According to residents, the journey between Gombe and Dukku, which used to take less than one hour, now takes nearly two hours due to deep potholes, erosion, and poor drainage.
Originally constructed in the 1980s and last rehabilitated in the early 2000s, the Gombe–Dukku–Darazo road has since deteriorated into a death trap, despite its strategic importance as a major link connecting Gombe to Adamawa, Bauchi, Taraba, Jigawa, and Kano States.
One of the protesters, Abubakar Yauta, expressed disappointment that the situation has persisted for over two decades.
“Our people have been suffering since 2003. Despite voting for the APC-led government, this road remains abandoned. It’s unfortunate and unbearable. Even though the Minister of Transportation is from Dukku, we are still suffering from this terrible road,” he said.
Another resident, Aminu Alƙali, said the government’s continued neglect of the road was unacceptable.
“Everyone is suffering because of this negligence. Fixing the road is our right, not a privilege. If nothing changes, we’ll vote them out in the next election,” he warned.
For Habiba Shehu, the poor condition of the road has become a matter of life and death.
“I know a woman who suffered a miscarriage because of the terrible condition of this road. We’re pleading for urgent government intervention,” she said.
Motorists say about 64 kilometers of the 72-kilometer Gombe–Dukku stretch are in a deplorable condition, forcing drivers to crawl at speeds as low as 20 kilometers per hour to avoid accidents and damage to their vehicles.
Responding to the outcry, the Gombe State Government said it remains committed to finding a lasting solution. It explained that the North-East Governors’ Forum had already met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to seek federal intervention on key road projects across the region, including the Gombe–Dukku–Darazo road.
For now, however, Dukku residents say they will continue to press for immediate action, warning that the worsening state of the road poses serious safety risks and threatens to cut off communities from essential services.
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