With less than a week until planned nationwide protests against hardship, Nigerian leaders are growing increasingly concerned and unwilling to leave anything to chance.
Yesterday, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) George Akume and National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu held a closed-door meeting with over 40 ministers from the President’s cabinet to discuss the expected protests.
Among the ministers present were Nyesom Wike (FCT), Yusuf Tuggar (Foreign Affairs), Zephaniah Jisalo (Special Duties), Tahir Mamman (Education), Abubakar Bagudu (Budget and Planning), Wale Edun (Finance), Mohammed Idris (Information), Bello Matawalle (Defence), and David Umahi (Works).
Simultaneously, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) summoned an emergency meeting of its National Working Committee (NWC) to strategize on preventing the planned protests.
Following the SGF and NSA’s meeting with the cabinet, Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris assured the public that the federal government is actively addressing the situation and appealed for patience.
Idris described the planned protests as a “family matter” that would be resolved amicably for the nation’s peace and stability. He emphasized unity among Nigerians and urged calm while stating the government’s commitment to resolving grievances.
Meanwhile, at the APC NWC emergency meeting, National Secretary Ajibola Basiru echoed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s plea for protesters to reconsider their plans, citing ongoing efforts to tackle economic challenges through policy implementation.
Basiru highlighted that many of the issues raised by protesters require careful consideration and may also involve constitutional changes being discussed at the National Assembly.
In a related development, the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, encouraged protest proponents to give the government time to implement its economic policies aimed at alleviating current hardships. He called for intensified efforts in economic and security policy implementation.
Conversely, Daniel Bwala, former spokesperson for the Atiku Campaign Organisation, criticized the planned protests, suggesting political motives and potential external interference. He urged a peaceful approach to addressing national issues and cautioned against violent tendencies.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) clarified that it is not organizing the upcoming protest against hunger, despite earlier reports suggesting otherwise. NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero emphasized solidarity with Nigerians facing economic difficulties and urged dialogue between protest leaders and the government.
As tensions rise ahead of the scheduled protests, various stakeholders are advocating for dialogue, patience, and a peaceful resolution to address Nigeria’s economic challenges and societal grievances.
