Economic hardship: Peter Obi backs August 1 protests, says protest is allowed globally
…Decries hunger, hopelessness among youths under Tinubu’s Govt
….As Gov. Adeleke invites organisers, stakeholders for dialogue
…Channel energy into ballot, not protest — Kwankwaso tells Nigerians
…IGP orders tactical commanders to prioritise public safety
By Our Correspondents
Labour Party’s Peter Obi has thrown his weight behind the planned August 1 protests over economic hardships, lamenting that hunger and hopelessness among young Nigerians have worsened under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Obi, after meeting with Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, on Sunday urged protesters to remain peaceful and law-abiding.
“Within the Nigerian constitution, protest is allowed. All I plead for is that those who are protesting do so within the law and in a civil manner,” he said.
The former Anambra Governor attributed the public’s rage to hunger and hopelessness, dismissing claims of sponsoring protests.
“When they talk about sponsors of the protest, I always say the sponsors are very simple. It’s hunger and hopelessness among the youth, so we all have to listen to what Nigerians are going through,” he said.
Obi cautioned security agencies to manage the situation within the law, emphasising the global acceptance of protests. “There is nothing wrong. Protest is allowed globally. People also protest in my house.”
Meanwhile, Governor Ademola Adeleke has fixed today (Monday) for a comprehensive dialogue with organisers of upcoming national protests alongside stakeholders from the security and civil societies.
In a directive handed down on Sunday morning, the State Governor instructed his team members to reach out to representatives of various civil society groups and student bodies for a dialogue session on the state of the economy.
Stressing the importance of dialogue in state governance, the State Governor further requested key commanders of Police and other security services to attend the session where stakeholders will be free to make recommendations on grievances and expected responses from government at all levels.
“I have instructed my team to organise a dialogue session on Monday where stakeholders can jaw jaw as part of peacemaking in the exercise of constitutional rights. The session will afford parties to list grievances and what they expect the government at all levels to do.
“We will convey outcomes of the session to government leaders from myself to Mr President in Abuja. It will also be an opportunity to tell stakeholders what we are doing as a government to resolve the economic hardship facing our people,” the Governor was quoted as saying.
While reaffirming his firm belief in the national constitution and rights and.liberties enshrined in it, Governor Adeleke preaches the need for peace and non-violent actions among which are dialogue sessions slated for Monday.
According to the State Governor, “Osun is a peaceful state where proactive steps are ongoing on food security, economic revival and state building to deliver good governance and dividends of democracy.
“We have to sustain the peace even as we make our feelings about the state of the nation known to the leadership. We will listen and we will act in the best interest of the citizenry.
“In the midst of positive transformation ongoing in our dear state, we cannot afford any criminal hijacking of liberty processions. That is why the Monday dialogue promises to achieve a lot”, the Governor submitted.
…Channel energy into ballot, not protest — Kwankwaso
National Leader and Presidential Candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso has urged Nigerians to channel their energy into voting for change instead of protesting, citing the potential for violence and chaos.
Kwankwaso, in a statement, expressed concern about Nigeria’s current state, attributing the country’s problems to poor leadership since 2007.
He listed six avoidable cases under Tinubu’s presidency, including political interference, sabotage, and insecurity.
“It is sad to note that the attitude of our leaders to poor governance plunged the citizens, especially youth, into anger, hunger, insecurity, hopelessness and about giving up on the country,” Kwankwaso said.
He appealed to leaders to address the challenges, urging Nigerians to be patient and supportive of the government but also to hold them accountable through their votes if they fail to deliver.
“In these trying times, our nation stands at a crossroads. Our collective frustration with bad governance has reached a boiling point, and the urge to protest is strong.
“However, I urge you to consider the consequences of national protests and to channel your energy into a more effective and peaceful means of transformation- through the power of your ballot,” Kwankwaso said.
He appealed to leaders to address the challenges, urging Nigerians to be patient and supportive of the government but also to hold them accountable through their votes if they fail to deliver.
“In these trying times, our nation stands at a crossroads. Our collective frustration with bad governance has reached a boiling point, and the urge to protest is strong. However, I urge you to consider the consequences of national protests and to channel your energy into a more effective and peaceful means of transformation- through the power of your ballot,” Kwankwaso said.
He cautioned against protests, citing the potential for violence and chaos, and instead encouraged citizens to channel their energy into peaceful means of transformation, such as voting for change.
Also, the Niger State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has called on President Bola Tinubu to reduce the pump price of fuel and the rising cost of food in the markets.
This appeal comes ahead of the planned nationwide hunger protest scheduled to be held from August 1 to 10 by Nigerian youths.
The State CAN Chairman, Dr Bulus Yohanna, made the call on Sunday in his message to the Catholic faithful, also urging the youths to shelve the planned nationwide hunger protest, stating that protests and violence have never yielded positive results.
In his message titled, ‘Let Us Shun Protest and Violence,’ the cleric said, “Christian faithful should not join the proposed nationwide protest, as genuine protests can easily be seized by hoodlums and selfish groups to cause enormous havoc on innocent citizens.
“Peace is an ongoing and dynamic process that demands perpetual attention and constant effort to attain and maintain. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should, apart from the palliatives, work on price control for goods and services, address the rising cost of living, and then reduce the price of fuel.
“Let us take advantage of the farming season, especially now that the Farmer Governor is proactive and has prioritised the agriculture sector with the hope of feeding the nation.”
Yohanna, who is also the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, called on bloc leaders, church leaders, local government coordinators, and parents to admonish their members and children to remember the book of Romans 13:1-3, which talks about Christians not rebelling against constituted authority.
“As you are aware, there are plans to stage a nationwide protest across the country, but as children of God and responsible people known for peace, I urge us all to shun the protest and speak to our children, wards, and members of our congregation.
“Other well-meaning Nigerians, including our youths, have declared that they won’t join the nationwide protest, and I want us to note that as a body, the Christian Association of Nigeria, Niger State, will not be part of the exercise but rather prefers to have peaceful dialogue and continue to pray for our nation.
“Peaceful protests with clear demands are good, but such could be hijacked by miscreants and be perceived as a security threat, which can lead to arrests and shootings, and we cannot afford to lose any of our children.
“There is no time that violence has led to positive results; rather, it has caused destruction, loss of lives, and setbacks. Genuine protests can easily be seized by hoodlums and selfish groups to cause enormous havoc on innocent citizens,” Yohanna said.
He further stated that “major stakeholders in Niger State have agreed not to join the protest, especially as the Farmer Governor, Umaru Mohammed Bago, has slashed the prices of grains and has promised to ameliorate the sufferings of the people.”
…IGP orders tactical commanders to prioritise public safety
In the same vein, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has directed Force Tactical Commanders to prioritise public order and ensure sufficient armed personnel are on standby for easy mobilisation in case of any eventuality ahead of the proposed nationwide protest.
The IGP gave the directive during an emergency meeting with Commanders of tactical squads in Abuja, stating that the objective was to evaluate the internal security situation, identify emerging threats, and develop effective countermeasures.
“As tactical Commanders, your operational tact is pivotal in navigating this complex situation,” he said. “Prioritise de-escalation techniques, and remember that force should always be a last resort.”
The IGP emphasised the importance of professionalism, civility, and restraint, guided by the principles of justice and fairness.
“Let us embrace a proactive approach, anticipating potential threats and taking preventive measures. Strict adherence to established protocols, code of conduct, and the rule of law is paramount.”
He noted that available intelligence suggests the planned protest is a deliberate attempt to destabilise the government and undermine public safety.
“Our paramount objective is to safeguard public safety, maintain law and order, and protect citizens’ rights and well-being,” he said.
