Amid economic hardship and calls for a nationwide protest against President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the Federal Government has appealed to Nigerians for more time, promising to handle the protest as a “family matter” and resolve all issues to ensure national peace and stability.
The government’s plea came on a day South-East governors advised against the planned protests, citing the country’s tense situation.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives urged the government to address the protesters’ concerns and warned against using force to suppress demonstrations.
Government’s Appeal
Following a meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) convened by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, emphasized the need for dialogue and patience.
“We came together to discuss. You can see that this is not happening at the council chambers; it is happening in the office of the SGF and many of the ministers are here,” Idris stated.
He assured that all government officials are working towards making Nigeria great again and urged protesters to see the situation as a family matter that requires a peaceful resolution.
Engagement and Dialogue
Idris confirmed that ongoing engagements with stakeholders are aimed at addressing grievances.
“The President has met severally with all key stakeholders. I have also been meeting with stakeholders, and other government functionaries have been meeting with key stakeholders.
Engagement is going to continue, and in the interest of Nigeria, we will keep engaging,” he added.
South-East Governors’ Warning
Chairman of the South-East Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, advised against the protests, stressing the fragile state of the nation.
He warned that protests could be hijacked by unscrupulous elements, as seen during the #EndSARS movement.
“Democracy is about the opinion of the people and protest is allowed, but it must be reasonably conceived to make political sense.
It is too early to start agitating against the Tinubu administration,” Uzodimma argued.
NLC’s Position
The NLC debunked reports that it had withdrawn from the planned protest, clarifying that it could not withdraw from a protest it did not organize.
NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, reiterated support for the Nigerian people and called on the government to engage in dialogue.
“We implore the federal government and sub-national governments to listen to the cries of the Nigerian people and do the needful. The voice of the people is the voice of God,” the NLC stated.
Femi Falana’s Caution
Human rights activist, Femi Falana, SAN, cautioned the government against threatening protest organizers.
“Threats do not work. The government should try to identify the leaders of the movement and engage them.
Address the demands being made,” Falana advised during an interview on Channels Television.
Minority Caucus’ Appeal
The Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives called for dialogue and discouraged protests due to the potential for violence.
Chairman of the caucus, Kingsley Chinda, urged the government to address the protesters’ critical concerns and ensure citizens are self-reliant to tackle the economic downturn.
APC’s Emergency Meeting
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) summoned an emergency meeting with state chairmen to discuss ways to avert the protests.
National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, highlighted that the government is working to address economic challenges and urged protesters to trust in President Tinubu’s efforts.
Oba of Benin’s Appeal
The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, appealed for patience and urged the government to intensify efforts in implementing economic and security policies.
“For things to get better, it has to be rough for a while,” the Oba stated, calling on the public to give the government time to implement its policies.
