ABUJA (Sundiata Post) – The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said as much as the government of President Bola Tinubu acknowledges the rights of every Nigerian to engage in protests, it is also committed to ensuring that the activities do not disrupt public order or violate the rights of others.
The minister who spoke during a visit by the Charismatic Bishop Conference in Abuja, said government was aware that some people might want to hijack the planned protest and unleash violence on innocent Nigerians.
“The government of President Bola Tinubu believes in the freedom of everyone within the confines of the law to do what he thinks is right for him. Therefore, the president is not an opponent of protest of any kind, but he is an opponent of violence and anything that will negatively hamper the wellbeing of Nigerians. He believes and he has always been saying that within the tenets of democracy, you have every right to do whatever you want to do, provided that right does not infringe on another person’s right.
“Why everybody is very cautious and very weary of this national protest is because we have seen what has happened around the world. We know that it’s almost impossible to hold this protest and then have peace at the end of the day. We cannot do that because some people are waiting to take the laws into their own hands.”
Idris also said President Tinubu was fully aware of the genuine concerns and complaints expressed by Nigerians across the nation and was actively working to implement effective policies aimed at alleviating the challenges faced by the citizenry and bringing relief to all Nigerians.
He said Tinubu was fashioning out a policy of paying stipends to all young university and polytechnic unemployed graduates in the country, pending their formal employment in any sector of the economy.
“But beyond that, there is also another new policy that the President has formulated, which will begin to be seen very soon and that is that all young men and women who have finished universities and polytechnics and have certificates and have done their mandatory NYSC and have not been able to get jobs, will have something from the government to keep them afloat until the time they get jobs,” Idris disclosed.
•Tinubu committed
He explained that because of the President’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerian workers, even after the Tripartite Committee on the National Minimum Wage concluded its assignment and submitted its report, he sustained his engagement with the Organised Labour unions until an amicable resolution was reached, which gave birth to the N70,000 national minimum wage.
Idris said the introduction of the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) policy by the President is a game changer in the country’s economy because of its ability to bring down the cost of transportation by about 60 percent, thereby providing a viable alternative for petrol and diesel.
He said henceforth, any government procurement of vehicles or machinery must have a component of CNG embedded in the contracts.
He also highlighted the significant improvement in the security situation in the country, saying since the advent of the Tinubu administration, there has been a remarkable improvement in most of the flashpoints in the country, especially the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway, which used to be a nightmare for motorists.
In his remarks, the President General of the CBCN, Archbishop Leonard Kawas, dissociated the conference from the planned national protest, saying they had been approached by some groups to join the protest.
“Your Excellency, recently we received some calls from some other religious organizations and other organizations asking us to join in preparation for a nationwide protest, which would start from 1st August 2024. We are here to let you know that we do not think the same. That we have rather decided to go all out and call for a truce. We have decided to sue for peace and humbly request that our brothers and sisters who are aggrieved in one way or the other, that they should give us some time while we continue to communicate and negotiate with this government on areas that are pertinent to them.”
He acknowledged that the administration has made tremendous progress in social investment, the introduction of the Student Loan Scheme, security, infrastructure in the FCT and across the country, and the introduction of the N70,000 National Minimum Wage, among others.
Kawas said after the 2024 Synod, they resolved to partner with the Federal Government in prayers and advocacy for the success of the Tinubu’s administration.
In a related development, theFederal Government has again appealed to those behind the August 5th planned protest against economic hardship, which is gaining traction on social media, to give it more time, assuring it was working round the clock to address their concerns.
•Emergency meeting
Speaking to newsmen at the end of an emergency meeting presided over by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume with the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu and over 40 ministers in attendance, emphasised that government was working round the clock to address the grievances of the citizens and ensure a better future for Nigeria.
He assured that the President is committed to an all-inclusive solution and is determined to ensure that no one is left behind in the march towards progress.
He appealed for calm, patience, and a peaceful resolution to the situation, stating that the government is insisting that everyone must be calm, be patient, and give peace a chance.
On Femi Falana’s insistence that the protest must continue, the minister said: “He is an individual, this is democracy. Everybody is entitled to his opinion, the protesters are also Nigerians, these are democratic situations. What I keep saying is that we are all Nigerians, we are all acting in the interest of Nigerians but suffice it to say that the message I gave yesterday, the President has said that there’s no need for any protests, let’s all calm down, a lot is happening, Nigeria is going to move and match on and we believe that whatever government is going to come up with, is going to be in the interest of Nigerians. We don’t think there’s a need for any protest, we are appealing for calm, patience for a peaceful resolution, and a peaceful approach to any issue. If you have anything that you want to put out there, you are free to put out there but government is insisting that we are all Nigerians, we have to be calm, be patient and suffice it to say that let us give peace a chance, Mr President is working round the clock, ministers are working, everyone is working. All hands are on deck.
Some of the Minister spotted included 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).
•Reps caucus sues for dialogue
The minority caucus of the House of Representatives has charged the Federal Government to dialogue with aggrieved Nigerians planning to embark on protests next week over current economic challenges in the country.
Nevertheless, the caucus appealed to those behind the planned protests to have a rethink owing to the security situation in the country.
The minority leader, Kingsley Chinda,, who spoke on behalf of the opposition lawmakers, after their meeting in Abuja,, also charged the government to take steps to address the economic challenges.
“We appeal to the government to dialogue with the planned protesters and also look at some of the messages they are raising, the critical areas that need government intervention. The government should intervene and ensure that issues are resolved amicably.
“We are not going to encourage any protesters, because in the past we have observed in most cases that even peaceful protests have been overtaken by hoodlums and with the insecurity situation in some parts of the country, you may not have the control of the gathering of people. So some unscrupulous people may use the opportunity to create chaos.
“So we are discouraging any protest, but we appeal to government to dialogue and also look at critical areas that are necessary and address them amicably,”
The minority leader added “we acknowledge and observe the insecurity situation in the country and we call on the government to use carrots and sticks by ensuring that the result is seen. Let all the security chiefs do what is right to ensure that Nigerians are protected.
“We also acknowledged in our discussion that there is hunger in the land and we appeal to the government not only to be giving palliatives but to create ways and means whereby people can be self-reliant. “
•Northern youths, women leaders kick
The Nigerian Forum for the Sustenance of Democracy (NFSD), has begged the organisers to engage in constructive dialogue with the federal government instead of protesting.
President of NFSD, Abdulrahman Buba Kwaccham, at a press conference in Abuja argued that any disruption of law and order will worsen the nation’s already challenging economic situation and further intensify the suffering endured by the people. “We must engage in constructive dialogue and seek lasting solutions to the socio-economic issues that plague our nation.”
He appealed to parents, community leaders, and influencers, to guide the youth away from destructive paths and towards constructive engagement for the betterment of our beloved Nigeria.
“Together, we must unite to protect the peace and stability of our nation, for there is no other land but Nigeria that we call our own.
“I implore all our leaders – political, religious, and traditional – to collaborate effectively with the government and devise a comprehensive blueprint for dialogue that addresses the pressing issues facing our country, ensuring a brighter future for all Nigerians.
“Let us face the truth, however uncomfortable it may be, and use our wisdom and unity to guide the next generation in building a stronger, more united Nigeria,” he said.
Alfa Nma, president of the North Youth Leaders’ Forums, echoed Kwaccham’s sentiment against protests.
“There’s no country that doesn’t have internal issues. Protests are not the solution. We should come together for a roundtable discussion with the federal government to resolve this hardship internally.
“We know there are people who want to destabilize our country. They should understand that what happened in another country cannot happen in Nigeria. We need to be realistic.”
He claimed that the North Central region will not participate.
Okpokwu Ogenyi, national coordinator of the Coalition for Good Governance and Change Initiative, argued against the protest.
“Nigerians are not ready for this planned protest. We all know the state of the economy when it was handed over to President Tinubu. We should remember that many things have improved under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.”
Ruth Isa, Forum Welfare Director of the group, representing women, urged mothers to discourage their children from participating in the protest.
“Protests are not the only solution to our problems and those sponsoring the protest should send their children to protest, not the common man on the streets.”
•Kogi residents, stakeholders divided
Some citizens and stakeholders in Kogi have expressed concerns about the planned nationwide protest by some groups on Aug. 1 to draw the attention of the government to what they describe as a worsening economic crisis.
In separate interviews, most of the respondents in Lokoja, called for understanding on the current economic situation in the country, observing that protest might compound the country’s socio-economic challenges.
The Vice Chancellor of Salem University Lokoja, Prof. Alewo Johnson-Akubo, cautioned that the proposed protest could be dangerous at this material time.
“Although times are hard in the country, it will be very unfortunate if we fail to handle the situation well for our liberation and freedom from the prevailing hunger and hardship. I believe dialogue between the Federal Government and the organisers of the protest is one sure way to go about the problems rather than filing out on the streets.
“It’s high time we opened our eyes and do the needful so that we don’t fall into the shoes of Libya and Sudan, which citizens are regretting their actions.”
Also, Mr John Okpanachi from Ofu Local Government Area, said that he was not in support of the protest.
Okpanachi advised that the leadership of the protesters should explore the means of dialogue with the government on the best ways to mitigate the prevailing hardship in the country.
Mrs Joy Daniel, a trader in Lokoja metropolis, expressed fear that the protest would add up to the sufferings of Nigerians.
“Can protest put food on our table? To me, we should be thinking of what can give us food to eat because we are hungry already.
“I support those calling for dialogue with the planned nationwide protesters. Let them sit on a round table to see how the problems we are facing can be tackled for our good,” she noted.
But Dr. Ibrahim Nazir, lecturer in the Department of Political Science, Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Ayingba, said it was the right of the citizens to embark on a peaceful protest within the ambit of the law.
“The removal of fuel subsidy and other economic policies have worsened the living condition of an average Nigerian. The various palliatives from the government have not made any difference, rather the situation is getting worse.
“The planned protest by citizens is just a way to show the government that all is not well with them. However, this may not be the right step for now due to the implications that may follow it. Hoodlums may take advantage and vandalise basic infrastructure due to frustration.”
He said since government was doing everything within its power to address pending issues, it should be given the benefit of doubt to manifest.
“Thank God that the new minimum wage bill sent to the National Assembly has been passed, and the government is also cutting down costs, among others, the planned protest is not the way to go now,” he advised.
The Chairman, Kogi Non-Governmental Organisation Network, Amb. Idris Muraina, noted that the economic hardship was hitting hard on all citizens.
“I believe there should be more coordinated and strategic ways to press home our demands on the current administration without taking the path of open and uncoordinated protest that might be hijacked by hoodlums.
“We have resolved to press home our demands through letters and press releases instead of open protest. At least this will serve as a starting point for us”.
Another contributor, Hajiya Fatima Abdul, businesswoman, advised the government to allow the protest to go peacefully so that hoodlums would not hijack it.
“This is because everyone is involved in the present hardship. The only solution is for the government to give us food,” she said.
