No protest needed, we’re tackling hardship, economic downturn — Tinubu appeals

…Food inflation: We share your pain, halved our salaries — Reps Speaker

…Dialogue with protesters, avoid confrontation — NLC President urges FG

…CAN, Labour, Students Union, others disown planned protest, back FG

By Our Correspondents

Amidst the 10-day proposed nationwide protest scheduled to commence between August 1 and 10, 2024, President Bola Tinubu has appealed to Nigerians to abort their planned protests, citing the need for patience and support during this critical period.

Represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, Tinubu warned that crisis and violence could jeopardise national unity, citing the experiences of countries like India and Sudan.

“We should learn from the experiences of countries like India and Sudan, with over 200 million people, we cannot afford such discord,” Tinubu said.

He emphasised the need for citizens to show patience and commitment to the success of the reforms, rather than engaging in demonstrations.

The President highlighted his administration’s efforts to ease economic hardship, including the procurement of Compressed Natural Gas vehicles, the introduction of a student loan scheme, distribution of palliatives, and provision of agricultural inputs such as tractors and fertiliser.

He also affirmed the government’s commitment to addressing insecurity.

Tinubu appealed to traditional rulers to promote peace and convey this message to the youth and their communities. “We cannot afford to let our youths be hoodwinked by individuals who capitalise on our economic difficulties to incite protests,” he said.

…Food inflation: We share your pain, halved our salaries — Reps Speaker

In addition, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Tajudeen Abbas, has appealed to Nigerian youths to cancel the planned nationwide protest scheduled for August 1-10, 2024, assuring that the government is working hard to address the economic challenges facing the country.

“We share the pains and discomforts of Nigerians and are committed to finding sustainable solutions to the food challenges.

“We have shown concern by contributing 50% of our salaries to support food supplies for the people, and this is renewable after six months,” Speaker Abbas said.

The Speaker urged Nigerians to exercise patience and support the government’s efforts, saying, “Let us support government policies, and I can assure you, with a little patience, this will amount to delayed gratification for a greater gain in time to come.”

…Ajaero urges Tinubu to dialogue with protesters, avoid confrontation

Meanwhile, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has advised President Bola Tinubu to engage in dialogue with the leaders of the planned nationwide protest, rather than resorting to confrontation.

Ajaero emphasised that protesting is a right of citizens and millions of Nigerians are angry about the state of the national economy.

“As the date for the widely reported national protest looms, the Nigeria Labour Congress urges President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to invite the leadership of the protest movement for discussions on their grievances,” Ajaero said.

“These are dire times. Nigerians are angry. The times require the government to ‘jaw-jaw’ and not ‘war war’ with Nigerians.”

Ajaero stressed that many Nigerian families are struggling to eat one meal a day, and millions are living below extreme poverty lines.

He expressed concern about the government’s response to the protests, stating that describing citizens’ struggles as “sponsored political dissent” is condescending and dismissive.

“The truth is that you cannot smack a child and, at the same time, ask the child not to cry. A stitch in time might still save nine. Solidarity forever,” Ajaero added.

…Namadi pledges aid, as CAN, Labour, Students Union, others disown planned protest

Meanwhile, the Jigawa state chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) have distanced themselves from the planned nationwide protest against bad governance, expressing support for the government’s efforts to address the economic hardship in the country.

Governor Alhaji Umar Namadi, who presided over a town hall meeting in Dutse, assured that the government is working hard to alleviate the suffering of the people.

“We are aware of the hardship condition of the people in the country. As Muslims, we believe everything is from Allah Almighty,” he said.

The Governor explained that the federal government’s recent directive on food importation and distribution of rice to all 36 states and FCT is part of efforts to improve food production and achieve food security.

“So also, many policies and programs are on top gear in agriculture and food production in the state,” he added.

Chairman of CAN in Jigawa state, Rev. Father Maurice Hassan said, “We are not and will not be part of the protest. We support peace and will not allow anything to break the peace in the state and country at large.”

Chairman of NLC in Jigawa state, Comrade Sunusi Alhassan also said, “We are not part of this protest because our national secretariat is not party to it.”

President of NAJIS, Comrade Abdullahi Garba said, “We will not allow any selfish individual or group to use us as youths to destabilise the peace of the nation for their selfish interest.”