Tinubu not against protest, but opposed to violent march – FG

• As SGF, Ministers speak on gains of governance

• Appeal for peace, dialogue to address concerns

By our correspondents

As some Nigerians prepare to begin a protest declared for today, August 1, against hunger and alleged bad governance, the Federal Government (FG) has ruled out that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is opposed to any lawful protest.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume led key Ministers to address the media yesterday in Abuja on the FG position in respect of the protest.

The FG said President Tinubu is a core democrat and does not have issues with protests if they are conducted within the provision of the law.

The SGF, also urged Nigerians not to allow bandits, criminals, and insurgents to hijack the planned August 1 hardship protest.

Akume said the president and the Federal Government are concerned about any protest that will destroy the gains achieved in the past 14 months since President Tinubu took over the leadership of the country on May 29, 2023.

While acknowledging that some bold decisions of the President like the removal of fuel subsidy has brought about hardship in sections of the economy, Akume said “on-going economic hardships would abate very soon and we shall all enjoy endless prosperity.”

He said: “We therefore appeal to Nigerians of whatever persuasion, belief, demography, gender and status to shun calls for protest  against hunger by prioritising peace and progress.

“For the avoidance of doubts, the government of President Tinubu recognises the right to peaceful protest but circumspection and vigilance should be our watchwords. Government is wary of the dangers associated with protests that are vulnerable to being hijacked by bandits, insurgents and other criminals. Rather, we request that dialogue should be advanced  and we remain open to such.

“Our appeal is that  Nigerians should please pursue the path of peace, dialogue and collaboration in addressing the challenges that collectively confront us. Please go about your legitimate businesses and avoid actions and/or associations that  are capable of disturbing the peace of the country. Remain vigilant as well,” the SGF said.

He listed some of the policies initiated by the Tinubu administration to deliver good governance and address concerns of Nigerians to include the achievement of local government autonomy, the N70, 000 minimum wage of workers, and the release the sum of five billion Naira to each State to cushion the impact in an inclusive manner that prioritised the poor, vulnerable and the elderly.

He added that states, through their governors, are receiving  twenty trailer loads of assorted grains per state, approved by the President for distribution to citizens to cushion the high cost of foodstuff.

He said the Government has removed tariffs on imported food items to bring down the prices of food stuff.

He said currently, over 15 million indigent, poor and highly vulnerable families have benefitted from the family support cash grants by the FG.

This added to the release of bags of rice to states for sale to citizens at the cost of N40, 000 per bag at designated locations in each state.

The Finance Minister, Chief Wale Edun also advised against protests that take the country backward from the gains already achieved.

He said under President Tinubu, the economy has been saved from the collapse.

He said costs are now under control and Nigeria’s money is being spent carefully giving rise to the growth of the economy, services and the agric sector.

Earlier, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris gave details of the various interventions of the government to revamp the economy, create jobs and provide social services.

Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu and the Special Adviser to the President on Communication and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga were also part of the federal government delegation to the briefing.