The Federal Government has provided reasons for President Bola Tinubu’s reluctance to support a nationwide protest that recently took place. Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, detailed these reasons during a meeting with members of the Diplomatic Community in Abuja on Wednesday.
According to Idris, the Tinubu administration prefers to use various communication channels to inform the public about government initiatives and opportunities. The government believes that the current focus should be on allowing these initiatives to fully unfold, rather than engaging in protests.
Idris explained that genuine reforms and government interventions require time to show their benefits. He noted that the government had actively engaged with traditional leaders, religious figures, youth groups, and civil society organizations to encourage them to postpone the planned protest and choose dialogue instead.
The administration was concerned that the protest, which lacked a clear agenda and organizational structure, could be taken over by individuals or groups with ulterior motives. Idris expressed that the government feared the protest could be exploited to harm the country’s interests.
Regrettably, these concerns materialized as the protest was reportedly hijacked. What initially began as a peaceful demonstration in several states and the Federal Capital Territory soon turned violent. There were numerous reports of arson, vandalism, looting, and confrontations with law enforcement. These violent actions resulted in the loss of innocent lives and significant property damage.
In response to the violence, the Federal Government took immediate action to restore order and peace. Idris emphasized that security forces were instructed to use maximum restraint and adhere to international standards while managing the protests. While they focused on maintaining safety and order, they also had to respond firmly to criminal acts.
Idris further highlighted that the government has initiated an investigation into the violence that occurred during the protests. The aim is to identify those responsible and hold them accountable. He assured that the government is dedicated to preventing such incidents in the future and is committed to ensuring that similar violence does not recur.
Concluding his statement, Idris reassured the public that the most challenging period was over. He expressed confidence that Nigeria can now move forward and benefit from the various policy and program interventions being implemented by the government. The focus will shift to progressing with these initiatives to improve the country’s overall well-being and stability.
