President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians planning to stage a protest over perceived hardship in the country to reconsider their decision, stating that such actions are unnecessary at this time.
Through his Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, President Tinubu assured Nigerians, particularly the youth, that he is aware of their concerns and is committed to addressing them. The President’s message was delivered during a routine meeting with some cabinet members, including Idris.
“We discussed the issue of the country generally, and Mr President has asked me to again inform Nigerians that he listens to them, especially the young people who are planning to protest,” Idris said. “Mr President listens to them, he takes what they say seriously, and he is working assiduously to ensure that this country is good not just for today but also for the future.”
Addressing the planned protest, Idris conveyed the President’s request for patience and cooperation: “Mr President does not see any need for that. He asked them to shelve that plan and to await the government’s response to all their pleas. A lot is happening. Only today, the National Assembly has expediently passed the bill on National Minimum Wage.”
Highlighting the President’s commitment, Idris added, “You can see how the President is working. It was transmitted only yesterday; today, it has been passed. A lot of other interventions that the President has also put in place are going to be looked at expeditiously in the interest of Nigerians. So, there is no need for strike. The young people out there should listen to the President and allow him more time to see the realization of all the goodies he has for them.”
Idris explained that growing concerns from Nigerians led to the Federal Government’s approval of grains and rice for state governments, which were delivered promptly. “It is just the necessary first step,” he said. “The government is going to continue in that direction, supporting them and ensuring that whatever intervention the Federal Government has put in place will go to those who should benefit.”
He emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring that interventions reach the intended beneficiaries without middlemen’s interference. “The Federal Government is looking at strategies so that every intervention goes directly to those who benefit, not through middlemen,” Idris said.
Highlighting the President’s focus on education, Idris mentioned the launch of the student loan board, aimed at enabling young Nigerians to pursue higher education. “Mr President is very passionate about ensuring that everyone who should go to school has the opportunity to do so. It is no longer a time for us to see our young able-bodied men and women having passed the examinations unable to attend tertiary institutions,” he concluded.
President Tinubu’s appeal comes as his administration continues to roll out measures aimed at alleviating the economic challenges facing the nation.