Nigeria Times

The Federal Government has issued a new security alert ahead of the nationwide protest set for August 1, 2024. In a statement released on Wednesday, the government voiced concerns that bandits and insurgents might hijack the planned demonstrations.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, addressed journalists and media executives at Radio House in Abuja, urging Nigerians to seek alternative methods of engaging with the government rather than protesting. Akume emphasized that while the administration supports the right to peaceful protest, the risk of criminal elements exploiting the situation necessitates caution.

“Government is wary of the dangers associated with protests that are vulnerable to being hijacked by bandits, insurgents, and other criminals,” Akume stated. “We request that dialogue should be advanced, and we remain open to such. Protesting is not the solution to the challenges the President Bola Tinubu-led administration is working to solve.”

Akume reassured citizens that the government is addressing economic hardships and working towards sustainable solutions. He appealed to Nigerians to prioritize peace and progress and to avoid actions that might disrupt national stability.

“We, therefore, appeal to Nigerians of whatever persuasion, belief, demography, gender, and status to shun calls for protest against hunger by prioritizing peace and progress,” Akume said. “For the avoidance of doubts, the government of President Tinubu recognizes the right to peaceful protest but circumspection and vigilance should be our watchwords.”

Akume reiterated that economic prosperity remains a key goal of the administration, which inherited significant economic and security challenges. He detailed ongoing efforts to reform the economy, enhance security, and promote investment.

“This administration, at inception in May 2023, inherited an economy in need of urgent, bold, and imaginative reforms. Policy measures, including the removal of an unsustainable fuel subsidy regime, had to be taken,” Akume explained. “The administration similarly inherited a security situation that had existed for two decades and required greater attention in terms of upgrading security architecture and infrastructure.”

Akume concluded by urging citizens to maintain peace and work collaboratively with the government to achieve national stability and prosperity.

“Together, we shall create a Nigeria where peace and stability are not merely aspirations but realities, where economic growth is not just a goal but a tangible outcome, and where the dreams of our people are transformed into a shared national destiny,” he stated.

As part of efforts to douse tensions and chart a more peaceful strategy for addressing predisposing issues ahead of the looming national protest, Rising-Up for a United Nigeria (RUN) has urged Nigerians to jettison the idea of a protest and explore other options towards a peaceful resolution of the grievances of Nigerians

The National Convener of RUN, Ambassador Solomon Adodo who made the appeal during a live interview monitored during the Radio Nigeria Network News in the early hours of today, also revealed that plans have reached advanced stage to get Mr President and the Senate President to address interact with Nigerian youth with a view to listening to their grievances and crafting solutions together.

According to him, “Nigerians especially the youth and middle-aged citizens cannot afford to blindly go through a national protest without first of all exploring avenues for amicable resolution knowing fully well how it will end up affecting them.

“As a group, we have been actively engaging with the Executive and Legislative arms of government. As we speak, plans are almost at the concluding stage to have the Senate President to address Nigerian youth at this year’s International Youth Day on the 12th of August in Abuja.

“Mr. President has also indicated interest to dialogue with Nigerians as he has in the last few day engaged with different stakeholders across board with the view to preventing what many observers believe is a plot by opposition elements and even those within the ranks of the All Progressive Congress (APC) to discredit the current administration for their parochial interests.

Ambassador Adodo urged Nigerians to be patient and have faith in the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu whom he described as a true patriot who’s brand of politics is visibly progressive and devoid of corruption and obsession with power.

“The current administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated an immense capacity to stir the country out of the accumulated mismanagement and hardship we are currently experiencing. Of course it’s easier to destroy than to build and Nigerians must give the current administration a little time to act.

“The new minimum wage which is more than a 100% increase in staff salaries as well as the consumer credit support scheme are truly milestones that have been unprecedented in the history of Nigeria. Mr. President heard the cries of organised labour and acted, he’ll still listen to us if we give him a chance and a platform for dialogue.

“Another first in the history of Nigeria, that deserves commendation is the student loan project which Mr. President graciously signed into law. Now our students can go to school without worrying about funds. How can the sane Nigerian youths who are beneficiaries of all these projects turn their backs against the President and stage a protest against him?

“It’ll indeed be unfair to protest against an adminstration that just yesterday, passed an Executive Order, mandating NNPCL to begin supplying crude to Dangote Refinery and other Modular refineries operating in Nigeria with payments in the naira. Apart from reducing the strain on forex, this will help to boost the local economy, create jobs and ensure the availability of petroleum products at affordable prices”, he added.

Adodo advised Nigerians especially the youths and middle-aged citizens who form the bulk of Nigeria’s demographics to “take advantage of the interventions in the Ministries of Trades and Investment, Sports and Youth Development and Agricultural to better themselves towards self employment and desist from becoming willing tools in the hands of misfits who are masquerading as patroits in other to set the country on fire”.

The Coalition of Concerned Civil Society Organisations of Nigeria, comprising more than 100 ethnic nationality groups with millions of members says it has decided to pull out if the planned nationwide protests following the intervention of key stakeholders like Senator Anyim Pius Anyim.

Anyim Pius, a former President of the Senate and a foundation member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had recently defected to the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) to align his political mission and vision with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a press release signed by its chairman Comrade Moh’d Kazeem and Comrade Emmanuel Gabriel, spokesperson and made available to journalists in Abuja shortly after a stakeholders engagement facilitated by the elder statesman, the group said it succumbed to the superior wisdom and the sound reasoning of stakeholders who are unanimous in calling for restraint and patience as Mr. President is already addressing most of the contending issues.

“We are compelled by superior wisdom of statesmen like Senator Anyim Pius Anyim and glaring facts on the ground to jettison out earlier position on the planned nationwide protests. While we were convinced that out course of action was legitimate and patriotic, it is humbling to admit that we were deceived by miscreants who are out to discredit the current administration for their personal interests.

“With the opening of our national borders to ease the importation of food and fight food inflation, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated a deep commitment to addressing the hunger and pain Nigerians are currently experiencing. It’ll therefore be unwise to continue with the protests when all hands are on deck to address our grievances.

“Just few days ago, Mr. President magnanimously issued an Executive Order mandating NNPCL deliver crude to Dangote Refinery and other Modular refineries operating in the country with naira payment. This is also a step towards achieving energy self-sufficiency, reducing the strain of foreign exchange and making products affordable.

“There are also interventions in the Ministries of Trades and Investment, Youth and Sports, Agriculture and others to address youth unemployment by scaling up skill acquisition programs with a view of creating jobs and empowering Nigerians. The Consumer Credit Scheme and National Youth Investment fund are just some examples out of many”, the release noted.

The Coalition applauded the efforts of Senator Anyim Pius Anyim for opening their eyes to the complexities inherent in governance and the fact that most of the damages the current administration is trying to salvage were actually caused by the rot in successive administrations

“Our meeting with the esteemed statesman is an eye opener. We are heeding his appeal and pulling out of the nationwide protest because of his deep understanding of Nigerians political landscape and his conviction that President Tinubu is on the right track to restore Nigeria’s economic fortunes and glory.

“The fact that he committed his time to facilitate this meeting instead of siding with the enemies our country is truly inspiring. As one who is committed to the development of youths and the nation in general, we are convinced our decision to pull of the purported protest is in the interest of our country. We call on other elder statesmen to emulate him”, the statement added.

The release appealed to other groups and individuals to “equally distance themselves from anarchists who are out to set fire on our beloved nation, stating further that the horrors of the EndSars protests are still fresh in the hearts of Nigerians and a repeat of the same episode will wreck Nigeria terribly”

In a massive show of support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration, hundreds of Civil Society Organisations have taken to the streets of Abuja, Lagos, and other major state capitals in what has been described as a pro-rally.

In Lagos, a joint speech delivered by the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations urged Nigerians to channel their energy into constructive dialogue and collaboration with the government, rather than engage in protest that could bring chaos.

Murtala Adebayo who spoke on behalf of the over 20 groups said, “While we recognize the importance of expressing our concerns and advocating for change, we must also understand the potential dangers associated with organizing a violent protest”

He cautioned that protests, sometimes born out of genuine grievances, often lead to unintended consequences, adding that they can escalate into chaos, resulting in loss of lives, destruction of property, and a breakdown of social order.

According to him, “The proposed protest, if not managed carefully, is at the risk of being hijacked by hoodlums and elements with malicious intent. This could transform a peaceful demonstration into an event marked by violence and disorder, ultimately diverting attention from the legitimate issues at hand. We must not allow our efforts to be overshadowed by acts of violence and lawlessness.”

In Abuja, the Women Supporting Women For Good Governance (WSWGG) said under President Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria has witnessed transformative policies aimed at empowering women economically, noting that a violent protest has the potential to reverse the gains made so far.

…said the administration’s focus on women’s entrepreneurship has led to the creation of numerous initiatives providing financial support and training for female entrepreneurs. The establishment of microcredit schemes and grants has enabled countless women to start and expand their businesses, contributing to economic growth and reducing gender inequality.

“However, in light of the proposed protest, it is crucial to consider the potential risks and consequences. Protests, while a democratic right, can sometimes be hijacked by elements with malicious intent, leading to violence and disruption. Such outcomes could undermine the progress we have made, particularly in empowering women and promoting good governance.”

In his address at a separate rally, Mallam Abubakar Malami, Secretary General of the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria (COCSON) urged Nigerians to consider alternative means of dialogue and engagement with the government.

According to him, “By working collaboratively, we can address our concerns while safeguarding the stability and progress we have achieved. Let us channel our energy towards constructive dialogue, fostering an environment of peace and development for the benefit of all Nigerians.”

He said in light of the achievements of the Tinubu administration, it is crucial to recognize the potential risks associated with the proposed protest.

He said, “While the right to protest is fundamental in a democracy, it is essential to ensure that our actions do not inadvertently disrupt the progress we have made. Unfortunately, protests can be susceptible to hijacking by hoodlums, leading to violence and destruction that undermine our collective efforts.”