Breaking: Tinubu Speaks On Planned Hardship Protest, Make Demand From Nigerians

President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians to reconsider the planned ‘EndBadGovernance’ protest set for next month.

The appeal was made through Information Minister Mohammed Idris during a briefing with State House correspondents on Tuesday.

Idris conveyed the President’s message, stating, “The issue of the planned protest, Mr President does not see any need for that. He’s asked them to shelve that plan. He’s asked them to await the government’s response to all their pleas.”

The planned protest, which has gained significant traction on social media, is scheduled to occur across all states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, in August.

This movement, organized by faceless groups, aims to address the economic hardships faced by Nigerians. The economic crisis has been exacerbated by the government’s recent policies, including the removal of petrol subsidies and the unification of forex windows.

The President’s appeal comes at a time when prices of food and basic commodities have soared, leading to one of the worst inflation crises in the country’s history.

In response, the Federal Government has taken several steps to mitigate the impact, including efforts by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and warnings from the Nigeria Police Force and the House of Representatives against the planned protest.

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga raised concerns about the potential for the protest to escalate into violence.

Drawing parallels with the EndSARS protest in October 2020, which led to widespread destruction of assets, Onanuga warned that the ‘EndBadGovernance’ protest could similarly result in chaos and damage.

“The planned protest, if staged, could degenerate into the destruction of assets that trailed the EndSARS protest against police brutality and extrajudicial killings in October 2020,” Onanuga cautioned.

Senator Ali Ndume also emphasized the importance of dialogue in addressing the grievances leading to the protest.

He advised President Tinubu to engage directly with the organizers, who are mostly youths, to help diffuse the tension and prevent the planned demonstrations.

“I think the President should talk to Nigerians, talk to the youths,” Ndume suggested.