As the clock ticks for the commencement of the Nationwide protest against hunger and bad governance scheduled to commence on August 1, 2024, the Federal Government has made last minute attempt to stop the protest as it has issued a fresh security concern, claiming that bandits and insurgents may hijack the much-anticipated demonstrations.
In a statement delivered by the Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, while briefing journalists and media executives at the Radio House in Abuja this Wednesday, 31/7/24, the Federal Government advised Nigerians to engage the government through another means to ensure the current administration delivers on its campaign promises, rather than resorting to protest
“The ongoing economic hardships would abate very soon and we shall all enjoy endless prosperity.
We, therefore, appeal to Nigerians of whatever persuasion, belief, demography, gender, and status to shun calls for protest against hunger by prioritising peace and progress. For the avoidance of doubts, the government of President Tinubu recognises the right to peaceful protest but circumspection and vigilance should be our watchwords”, Akume pleaded.
“Let me reassure you that 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,” the SGF said.
He continued, “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. This, it must be admitted has resulted in unexpected adjustments that impacted all facets of the economy and our daily lives.
“The administration similarly inherited a security situation that had existed for two decades and required greater attention in terms of upgrade of security architecture, infrastructure, systems, capability and capacity of personnel. This has compelled a massive infusion of scarce resources from our already dwindling revenue”.
