With only 48 hours left before the nationwide protests against economic hardship, the Nigerian government is urging citizens to reconsider their plans. Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris announced several initiatives to alleviate the current economic challenges.
Idris addressed reporters after a Federal Executive Council meeting chaired by President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. He stated that the government has distributed rice to various centers across the country, selling it at N40,000 per bag.
“The government is addressing most of the protesters’ demands,” Idris said. “There is no need for protests. This is a listening government.”
Idris emphasized that President Tinubu is already acting on behalf of the people by implementing measures to ensure food availability. “At the last council meeting, we announced that 20 trucks of rice had been given to state governors for distribution to the poorest citizens,” he said. “Rice is now being sold at N40,000 per bag across all states.”
Idris appealed to would-be protesters to reconsider, warning that demonstrations could be hijacked by “unscrupulous elements.” He acknowledged that peaceful protest is a democratic right but stressed that the current circumstances do not warrant such actions.
“There is no need for protests,” Idris insisted. He urged citizens to give the government’s interventions time to take full effect across various sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has called for an emergency plenary session tomorrow. Speaker Abbas Tajudeen directed lawmakers to attend, citing important matters to be deliberated upon, likely related to the planned protests.
Security measures in Abuja have increased, with armed personnel from the Nigerian Army, Police, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps deployed to strategic areas. Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun directed senior police officers to protect protesters. This response came after a request from human rights lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, representing the Take It Back Movement.
The IGP’s letter, signed by Principal Staff Officer CP Johnson Adenola, directed senior officers to ensure protester safety. The IGP also requested a meeting with Adegboruwa to discuss this further.
Similarly, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Commandant General Ahmed Audi ordered personnel to protect critical infrastructure and civilians. Audi warned that intelligence indicates plans by hoodlums to hijack the protests.
“We don’t want violence or destruction,” Audi said. “Your duty is to ensure the protest is peaceful.”
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) also called for caution, urging organizers to reconsider. NBA President Yakubu Maikyau emphasized the need for dialogue and proposed a National Security Summit to address security concerns and economic hardship.
The Organized Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN) echoed these sentiments, urging dialogue between the government and citizens. “Open and constructive dialogue is the most effective tool for addressing the nation’s challenges,” the OPSN stated. They stressed that any protests should be peaceful to avoid disrupting business operations and affecting the economy.
The OPSN highlighted the economic impact of mass protests, recalling the losses during the #EndSARS protests. They called on security agencies to protect lives and property, emphasizing their commitment to a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.
Source: The Guardian
