President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians to reconsider the planned ‘EndBadGovernance’ protest set for next month.
The appeal was made through Information Minister Mohammed Idris during a briefing with State House correspondents on Tuesday.
Idris conveyed the President’s message, stating, “The issue of the planned protest, Mr President does not see any need for that. He’s asked them to shelve that plan. He’s asked them to await the government’s response to all their pleas.”
The planned protest, which has gained significant traction on social media, is scheduled to occur across all states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, in August.
This movement, organized by faceless groups, aims to address the economic hardships faced by Nigerians. The economic crisis has been exacerbated by the government’s recent policies, including the removal of petrol subsidies and the unification of forex windows.
The President’s appeal comes at a time when prices of food and basic commodities have soared, leading to one of the worst inflation crises in the country’s history.
The Minister, in his statement, said, “We also discussed the issue of the country generally and Mr President has asked me to inform Nigerians again that he listens to them, especially the young people that are trying to protest.
“Mr President said he listens to them and takes what they say seriously, and he is working assiduously to ensure that this country is good not just for today but also for the future. The issue of the planned protest, Mr President does not see any need for that, he asked them to shelve that plan, and he has asked them to await the government’s response to all their pleas; he has listened to them.”
The Minister said a lot is happening already, saying, “Only today the NASS has expeditiously passed the bill on National minimum wage you can see how the President is working. The bill was transmitted only yesterday today, and it has been passed; a lot of other interventions that the President has also put in place are also going to be looked at expeditiously in the interest of Nigerians, so there is no need for a strike.
“The young people out there should listen to the President and allow the President more time to see to the realization of all the goodies he has for them.”
Highlighting other friendly policies aimed at cushioning the effect of hardship, Nigerians are facing, the Minister said the government approved grains and rice for state governments, which was delivered to them, adding, “Like I said, that time it is just the necessary first step, government is going to continue in that direction supporting them and assuring that whatever intervention the Federal Government has put in place go to those that should benefit, it is very important that is being put out.”
Naija News recalls that the Federal Government has taken several steps to mitigate the impact, including efforts by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and warnings from the Nigeria Police Force and the House of Representatives against the planned protest.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga raised concerns about the potential for the protest to escalate into violence.
Drawing parallels with the EndSARS protest in October 2020, which led to widespread destruction of assets, Onanuga warned that the ‘EndBadGovernance’ protest could similarly result in chaos and damage.
“The planned protest, if staged, could degenerate into the destruction of assets that trailed the EndSARS protest against police brutality and extrajudicial killings in October 2020,” Onanuga cautioned.
Senator Ali Ndume also emphasized the importance of dialogue in addressing the grievances leading to the protest.
He advised President Tinubu to engage directly with the organizers, who are mostly youths, to help diffuse the tension and prevent the planned demonstrations.
“I think the President should talk to Nigerians, talk to the youths,” Ndume suggested.
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