Hunger protests needless as food, student loan initiatives underway — FG appeals

…As IGP orders nationwide protection for protesters (Politics)    

…NBA urges cancellation, advocates dialogue    

…Yoruba group urges youths to avoid protest    

…No amount of threats can stop nationwide protests — CSOs dare FG    

…Stay on campus during protests — Education minister warns university students

By Our Correspondents

The Federal Government has declared that the planned  nationwide hunger protests are no longer necessary, as it is already addressing the demands of aggrieved Nigerians, including food availability and student loan initiatives.

The planned nationwide hunger protests are scheduled for August 1 to 10, 2024.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made this known on Monday after the Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu.

According to Idris, the government is already addressing some of the demands made by aggrieved Nigerians. “Many of the issues that those planning the protest are putting forward are being addressed. The government is making efforts to make sure that food is made available,” he said.

Idris highlighted the government’s initiatives, including the distribution of rice to various centres across the country at a subsidised price of N40,000. “Rice has been taken to various centres across the country, and it is being sold for N40,000. This is just the beginning and necessary first step. Other efforts are underway,” he added.

The Minister also mentioned investments in the agricultural sector, which are expected to lead to a decrease in food prices.

He said, “There is so much investment that is going into the agricultural sector, and we believe that as we move forward, the price of food will come down.”

Furthermore, Idris stated that the president believes that the government is answering the questions being asked by the youths.

He cited the student loan initiative, which aims to ensure that no youth is left out of education.

“The student loan is making sure that no youth that wants to go to school will be left out. By the time the CNG takes full course, the transportation issues will be resolved,” He added.

…IG orders nationwide protection for #EndBadGovernance protesters

In a fresh twist, Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has directed senior police officers to protect participants in the #EndBadGovernance protests scheduled for August 1-10, 2024, across the country.

The directive was given in a letter dated July 29, 2024, signed by his Principal Staff Officer, CP Johnson Adenola.

According to the letter, the police chief instructed senior officers to comply with human rights lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa’s (SAN) request for police protection for the hunger protesters.

“I am to inform you that the Inspector General of Police has directed the Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (Operations and Intelligence), the Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) in charge of Zonal Police Headquarters, and the Commissioners of Police (CPs) in charge of State Commands across the country to attend to your request,” it read.

The IGP also requested a meeting with Adegboruwa at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday to deliberate further on his request. 

“I am also to inform you that the Inspector General of Police wishes to have a meeting with you at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, Abuja, on Tuesday, 30 July 2024, to deliberate further on your request,” the letter read.

…NBA urges cancellation of planned protest, advocates dialogue

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has appealed to the organisers of the planned #EndBadGovernance nationwide protest to reconsider and call off the demonstration, citing concerns about potential hijacking by criminal elements and civil unrest.

In a statement issued on Monday, NBA President, Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), appealed to the government, organisers, and supporters of the protest to engage in a heart-to-heart discussion on how to address the country’s challenges.

Maikyau noted that Nigeria’s history of mass protests has shown that they often get hijacked by unscrupulous elements, leading to heinous crimes and civil unrest. He feared that the planned protest could lead to chaos, worse than the current situation.

“I most humbly appeal to Nigerians, particularly those that have decided to embark on the planned street protest to have a rethink and take a second look at what could be the possible outcome of embarking on such an exercise to our security, economy, and existence,” Maikyau said.

…Yoruba group urges youths to avoid protest, give Tinubu time to address nation’s challenges 

A socio-cultural group, Yoruba Progressive Forum (YPF) has urged the youth to avoid any protest and give President Bola Tinubu time to address and resolve the nation’s current challenges effectively.

Speaking to journalists in Osogbo, Osun State capital, on Monday, the National Coordinator, Alhaji Lateef Olalekan gave the appeal.

Olalekan said though, peaceful protest is a legitimate right guaranteed by the constitution of Nigeria, the potential protesters should consider the situation where such a protest be hijacked by the hoodlums.

He urged Nigerians to be patient with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu just as he charged the people to be hopeful and prayerful, assuring them that the President would provide safety nets to protect Nigerians worst hit by the economic reforms.

He said Nigerians need to understand the President and give him a chance to prove himself to the masses.

Olalekan urged traditional rulers on the need to talk to their subjects to avoid any act capable of causing violence in the country.

…No amount of threats can stop nationwide protests – CSOs dare FG

Meanwhile, The United Action Front of Civil Society has warned the government against intimidating protesters during the planned nationwide protests against hunger, stating that no amount of threats can stop the demonstrations.

In a statement signed by the Head of the secretariat, Wale Okunniyi, the body of CSOs urged citizens to hold the government responsible for any intended outcome.

“We wish to advise the Tinubu government to immediately take proactive steps to address the demands and concerns already raised by citizens groups participating in the planned nationwide citizens’ protests, as no amount of threats and gimmicks presently being deployed by agents of the Nigerian government can stop the nationwide mass demonstrations.”

The group listed key demands, including the reversal of the price of fuel to pre-January 2023 prices and the drastic reduction of government profligacy and high cost of governance.

The statement emphasised that the government is responsible for not addressing the crucial concerns and interests of Nigerians.

…Stay on campus during protests — Education Minister warns university students

In a related development, the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, on Monday urged university students to remain on campus during the planned nationwide protests, slated for August 1 to 10, 2024.

In a letter addressed to Vice-Chancellors of universities, Mamman advised students to avoid risking their lives by participating in the demonstrations.

The planned protest, organised by activists, has gained significant attention on social media, with hashtags such as #EndBadGovernance, #TinubuMustGo, and #Revolution2024 trending widely. However, the presidency and police authorities have cautioned youths against participating in the protest, citing concerns for their safety.

Mamman’s warning comes as the government seeks to prevent potential violence and unrest during the protests. By advising students to stay on campus, the minister aims to minimise the risk of harm to young people and maintain stability in the country’s tertiary institutions.

“The Honourable Minister of Education has directed that the attention of Vice-Chancellors of all Nigerian Universities be formally drawn to the plan by unknown groups to embark on nationwide protests. The Federal Government is not unaware of the right of any Nigerian to peacefully protest, but is concerned about the safety of staff, students, and university property should there be any protest action.

“Consequently, the Honourable Minister has directed that Vice-Chancellors of all Nigerian Universities should take proactive steps to ensure the security and safety of the university community, including staff and students. In addition, Vice-Chancellors are to please issue specific statements to assure staff and students of their safety. It is also advisable that students remain on campus to focus on their academic pursuits to avoid exposure to any potential danger during the planned protests.

“Please accept the renewed assurances of my highest considerations and best wishes.”