The Nigerian federal government has issued a stern warning regarding potential dire consequences for the nation’s stability if a planned nationwide protest goes ahead next month. In a bid to avert the protest, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, held a closed-door meeting with several ministers.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammad Idris, expressed concerns about the protest during a meeting with members of the Charismatic Bishops Conference led by Archbishop Leonard Kawas. Idris cited the debilitating effects of similar protests in countries like Kenya and Bangladesh, warning that arsonists and criminals might hijack the protest and cause violence.
“Why everybody is very cautious and weary of this national protest is because we have seen what has happened around the world,” Idris said. “We know that it’s almost impossible to hold this protest and then have peace at the end of the day. We cannot do that because some people are waiting to take the laws into their own hands.”
While President Bola Tinubu supports the right to protest within legal boundaries, he opposes any form of violence that could harm Nigerians. Idris reiterated that the government is actively working to address economic challenges and bring relief to the populace. He outlined one proposed policy to provide stipends for recent university and polytechnic graduates pending formal employment. Additionally, the introduction of the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) policy aims to reduce transportation costs significantly.
Archbishop Kawas confirmed that his group would not participate in the protest and called for peace and dialogue. “Recently we received some calls from some other religious organizations and other organizations asking us to join in preparation for a nationwide protest, which would start from 1st August 2024,” Kawas said. “We are here to let you know that we do not think the same. We have rather decided to go all out and call for a truce.”
Ministers present at the SGF meeting included those from Education, Budget and Planning, Finance, Defence, the Federal Capital Territory, Foreign Affairs, Special Duties, and Works, alongside National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. Idris assured the public that the government is working tirelessly to resolve issues peacefully and urged patience and calm among Nigerians.
Human rights advocate Femi Falana, SAN, maintained that the planned protest is a constitutional right, and Idris acknowledged this while appealing for a peaceful and calm approach to expressing grievances. “Mr President is working round the clock, his ministers are working, everyone is working, all hands are on deck,” Idris added. “We are appealing for calm; we are appealing for a peaceful resolution or peaceful approach to any issue.”