Nationwide Protest: Tinubu appeals for patience as FG calls emergency meeting
As tensions mount over a planned nationwide protest scheduled for August 1st, the Federal Government has convened an emergency meeting for today, July 24.
President Bola Tinubu also made a plea to the protest organizers and other Nigerians to reconsider their plans and give his administration more time to address their concerns.
The president emphasized the need to allow his administration more time to implement reforms aimed at tackling the nation’s economic challenges and enhancing the quality of the citizens.
Today’s meeting is set to be attended by key figures including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and several ministers and presidential advisers, such as Hadiza Bala-Usman and Sunday Dare, at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation Conference Room.
A circular issued on Tuesday by Richard Pheelangwah, Permanent Secretary of the Cabinet Affairs Office, confirmed the urgent agenda titled ‘Planned Nationwide Protest’.
The planned protest, which draws inspiration from recent events in Kenya, has gained significant traction on social media under hashtags like ‘EndBadGovernance’ and ‘TinubuMustGo’. Despite the public support, the Presidency and law enforcement authorities have cautioned against potential disruptions, citing the aftermath of the 2020 nationwide #EndSARS protest as a cautionary example.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, conveyed President Tinubu’s plea, stating the government’s dedication to addressing grievances through ongoing reforms. Initiatives such as the recent passage of the National Minimum Wage Bill and proposed support schemes for unemployed graduates highlight the administration’s commitment to social and economic progress.
Opposition’s Reaction to the planned Nationwide Protest
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have defended the constitutional rights of citizens to peacefully protest, while some have been against it. The PDP presidential candidate during the 2023 elections, Atiku Abubakar, expressed his opinion on the rally via his X (formerly Twitter)
Atiku Abubakar emphasized that citizens have the constitutional right to protest, as affirmed by Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution. He criticized efforts to undermine these rights, stressed the importance of a government ensuring a safe environment for peaceful protests, condemning any actions that violate these constitutional rights as undemocratic.
Tinubu’s Vice president, Kazeem Shettima, is against the nationwide rally, saying “The Protest will not yield any positive development; instead, it will lead to violence and destruction of public properties” He said.
Prominent activist and human rights lawyer, Femi Falana has stated that no threats from the government or any other quarters can prevent the impending nationwide protests on August 1.
Jigawa state Governor, Umar Namadi, also appealed to Nigerians facing current economic hardships to turn to God, advising them against participating in the nationwide rally scheduled for Thursday, August 1.
