Why we are worried about protests -FG

..Begs protests organisers, others to give govt more time to put in place reforms aimed at economic revival

..Give government more time, Senate urges protesters

By Tunde Opalana & Haruna Salami

The Federal Government, on Wednesday, restated its fears over the planned nationwide protest, saying there was every indication that the protests might be hijacked in some parts of the country by insurgents and bandits.

The government said such undesirable elements might infiltrate the ranks of the protesters the same way hoodlums hijacked the 2020 EndSars protests leading to loss of life, looting and destruction of property in Lagos and other parts of the country.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, sounded the warning at an inter-ministerial press briefing in Abuja.

Akume acknowledged the rights of Nigerians to stage protests as guaranteed by the Constitution, stressing however that violence and destruction of private and public property that such protests recorded in the past had become the main source of worry to the government.

The SGF appealed to the organisers of the planned protests and other Nigerians to give the government more time to put in place the necessary reforms aimed at economic revival.

He stated that the Bola Tinubu administration inherited a comatose economy and insecurity of frightening dimension but that the administration has been working hard to change the narrative by bringing succour to Nigerians.

The SGF said: “Upon taking office in May 2023, Tinubu inherited an economy in urgent need of reform and a longstanding security situation requiring significant upgrades. The administration has directed substantial resources towards enhancing security infrastructure to secure lives and properties, boost investor confidence, and increase food production.

“In a pivotal moment for Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has faced significant economic challenges and embraced new opportunities. These difficulties stem from bold policy decisions, including the removal of an unsustainable fuel subsidy, leading to nationwide economic adjustments. However, these measures aim to recalibrate the economy for a more prosperous future.

“President Tinubu’s ultimate goal is to achieve economic prosperity, which he believes is essential for lifting families out of poverty and building resilient societies. He emphasises that peace and stability are crucial for progress, enabling policies to succeed, businesses to thrive and investments to flourish”.

Akume however said despite these challenges, the administration has made notable progress in its first fourteen months.

He listed some of the significant steps taken by the administration to include the allocation of N5 billion to each state to cushion the impact of fuel subsidy removal and a wage reward of N35,000 for six months to support workers.

The SGF also cited the recent increase in the minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000 and the distribution of twenty trailer loads of assorted grains per state to reduce food costs.

He added that removal of tariffs on imported food items, provision of highly subsidised farm inputs and fertilizers to farmers and the establishment of the Ministry for Livestock Development were all aimed to improve the economic well-being of Nigerians.

Continuing, Senator Akume said the development of road and rail infrastructure was being intensified to ease transportation and stimulate the economy.

He added that the government has also been giving support to MSMEs through the Bank of Industry, in addition to the launch of the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Plan as an economic catalyst.

Regarding social safety nets, he recalled that over 15 million families across the country have benefitted from family support cash grants.

According to him, the recent Supreme Court ruling that gave financial autonomy to the 774 local governments in the country and the implementation of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, with over 40,000 beneficiaries were all part of the relief package for the people.

“President Tinubu appeals to Nigerians to prioritise peace and progress, urging dialogue over protests to address economic challenges. The government recognises the right to peaceful protest but warns of potential hijacking by criminal elements.

“Nigerians are encouraged to continue their legitimate businesses and collaborate for a peaceful and prosperous future. Together, the administration aims to transform aspirations into reality, achieving shared national prosperity”, the SGF said.

Also at the briefing were the Ministers of Finance, Wale Edun; Minister of Economic Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu and Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr Dele Alake.

They all took turns to enunciate the various policies of the Tinubu administration that are primed to turn around the economic fortune and improve the living standards of Nigerians.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris who moderated the event, pleaded with journalists and media practitioners to assist the government in portraying the positive outcomes of the government’s policies to the people.

Meanwhile, as the nationwide protests looms over Nigeria, the Senate has called on the protesters to give President Bola Tinubu more time to address their concerns.

Speaking at the emergency plenary on Wednesday, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said slated to begin on the 1st of August, 2024 should be shelved to give the government more time because one year is too short to address their grievances.

“I kindly urge you that one year is not long enough for the policies being implemented by the current administration of President Asiwaju Bola Tunibu to yield the desired results.

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“The Senate urges the protesters to give the government more time to address their demands, considering the measures being put in place to ameliorate the situation in the country, such as the National Minimum Wage Act, the sale of crude oil to local refiners in naira, the implementation of Students Loan Act, the assent recently granted to the Southeast Development Commission and the Northwest Development Commission, bills passed by the National Assembly to further address developments at the grassroots.

According to him, the Senate, and in fact the entire National Assembly, is willing to legislate on all matters that will bring about a succor to Nigerians in general.

The Senate cut short its annual recess to hold the emergency session, action Akpabio called “patriotic”.