Victor EzejaAs Nigerians warm up for the nationwide protest, the Federal Government has pleaded with the citizens to shelve it, assuring that all issues will be resolved.
Primebusiness.africa reports that the nationwide protest scheduled to take place from 1st to 10th August against economic hardship in the country has been generating mixed reactions. While some groups have expressed supports for the protests, others have called for caution that it might lead to chaos.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelSecretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, convened a meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday, to deliberate on issues regarding the protest.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who spoke to newsmen after the meeting in Abuja said the federal government will handle all issues raised as family matter and pleaded with protesters to calm down and give the government more time.
“We have discussed issues of national interest and all of us are working for Nigeria and we hope and believe Nigeria is going to be great again.
“No one is going to sleep. Those who are agitating and asking for protests are Nigerians, they are our brothers, they are our sisters, they are all Nigerians and those in positions of authority – the ministers, the President, everybody, we are all Nigerians too.
“So, this is a family matter. This is a Nigerian family issue and all of us are looking at this issue very well and we hope that peace will prevail at the end of the day,” Idris stated.
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The minister said the president has met with various key stakeholders and would continue to engage in the interest of all Nigerians.
He expressed optimism that Nigeria is marching forward to greatness, adding “Mr President is working round the clock, his ministers are working, everyone is working, all hands are on deck.
Some of the ministers who attended the meeting include Yusuf Tuggar (Foreign Affairs); Nyesom Wike (FCT); Abubakar Bagudu (Budget and Planning); Tahir Mamman (Education) and Zephaniah Jisalo (Special Duties).
Don’t Apply Force, Falana Advise FG
Popular human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has advised the government not to apply force in dealing with the protesters.
Falana, who spoke in an interview with Channels Television, urged the government to identify the protest planners and dialogue with them not resorting to threats.
He said: “Threats do not work. In fact, on some occasions, the desperation of the government also has a way of popularizing such protests.”
Continuing, he said: “the government should try to identify the leaders of the movement and then engage them, and then the questions be raised. Some demands are being made, and the government should address these demands.
“Between now and the first of August is still a long way and I understand the government is going to address the nation.
“It is also important for governors to really come out and let the people know what they are doing to address hardship in the country which nobody is denying.”
Listen to cries of Hungry Nigerian people
On its part, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) called on the Federal Government to listen to the cries of hungry Nigerians and do the needful.
The labour also reiterated its call on President Bola Tinubu to invite the leaders of the protest movement to dialogue on their demands.
The NLC National President, Joe Ajaero, stated this in a statement on Wednesday, while debunking reports that labour had pulled out of the nationwide protests. The NLC president said labour was not involved in organising the protest in the first place talk more of and withdrawing.
He however, clarified that it does not mean that labour is “oblivious of the dire living conditions Nigerians have been subjected to by the harsh economic policies of government.
“The Nigeria Labour Congress stands in solidarity with the Nigerian people in this very trying and excruciating times.”
“Pursuant to proactive engagement with the issues canvassed by the protest organisers, we have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to invite the leaders of the protest movement to dialogue on their demands.
“We have advised that it would be counter-productive for government to meet the widespread anger in the land with brute force.
“Once again, we implore the Federal Government and the sub-national governments to listen to the cries of the Nigerian people and do the needful. After all, it is said that the voice of the people is the voice of God,” NLC stated.
Governors Promise To Enhance Security
Meanwhile, Primebusiness.africa reports that the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing subnational security and safeguarding people’s lives and property.
The NGF emphasised the significance of putting strong security measures in place to guarantee the safety and well-being of inhabitants inside their respective states
This was contained in a communiqué signed by NGF chairman, and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, released on Thursday morning.
According to the communiqué, the NGF received a briefing from the National Security Adviser’s office on the current security situation in the country.
It said: “The NSA noted the growing momentum for a planned protest demanding government attention.
“The NSA is committed to supporting the governors in improving security architecture at the subnational level. The governors thanked the NSA and reinstated its commitment to enhance the security of lives and properties at the subnational.”
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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