“Seek forgiveness and pray” -Jigawa Governor urges Nigerians to shun nationwide protest
Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has appealed to Nigerians facing current economic hardships to turn to God, advising them against participating in the nationwide protest scheduled for Thursday, August 1.
In his speech at a town hall meeting with 27 groups in Dutse, Governor Namadi emphasised that protest alone is not the solution to the country’s challenges. He advised Nigerians to accept the hardships as a trial from God, emphasizing unity and prayer as the path forward for Nigeria.
The meeting, attended by notable organizations including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), saw many participants disassociating themselves from the planned nationwide protest in August.
Acknowledging the severity of economic difficulties across the nation, Governor Namadi stressed the importance of Nigerians turning to God in this time of adversity in the country.
“Protest alone will not solve our problems. Instead, we should repent, seek forgiveness, and pray for divine intervention.”
He also mentioned that the government is trying to reduce the effects of hardship by giving out food and money to people. The governor also emphasized the Federal Government’s recent approval of the importation of food items into the country for five months without import duty.
Security concerns regarding the protest were addressed by Police Commissioner Tijjani Abdullahi, who assured readiness to maintain public order. Brigadier-General Timilere Makintosh commended the peaceful coexistence in Jigawa State, attributing it to Governor Namadi’s leadership in government.
Jigawa groups distance themselves from the planned protest
Retired Khadi Bashir Ahmad, representing the Council of Ulama in Jigawa, attributed national challenges to societal sins and called for repentance. Rev. Father Maurice Hassan of CAN Jigawa urged government intervention to stabilize commodity prices and emphasized the association’s commitment to peaceful coexistence.
Similarly, Sunusi Maigatari of NLC Jigawa clarified that protest was not on their agenda, echoing support for constructive dialogue. Abdullahi Garba of NANS pledged to uphold peace and security in Jigawa, affirming their stance against any action that could disrupt societal harmony.
Emir Adamu Maje of Hadejia and Emir Muhammad Hameem of Dutse both advocated for lawful channels to address grievances, discouraging actions that could undermine peace in the state.
