On Wednesday, Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, advised Nigerians against participating in planned nationwide protests due to the current economic difficulties.
He assured citizens that the economic challenges would soon ease, leading to lasting prosperity for all. He emphasized that while the government under President Tinubu acknowledges the right to peaceful protests, caution and vigilance are crucial.
The government is concerned about the risks associated with protests, particularly the potential for these events to be exploited by bandits, insurgents, and other criminals. Instead of protesting, Akume suggested that engaging in constructive dialogue would be more beneficial.
Akume urged people to focus on their daily activities rather than joining demonstrations against the current administration. He highlighted that the primary goal of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is to achieve economic prosperity. This, he explained, is essential for driving progress, alleviating poverty, and creating strong, resilient communities.
He described how the administration inherited a struggling economy when it took office in May 2023. Significant reforms were necessary, including ending an unsustainable fuel subsidy system, which led to unexpected changes affecting all areas of the economy and daily life. Additionally, the administration had to address longstanding security issues, requiring substantial investment in improving security infrastructure, systems, and personnel. These efforts aim to protect lives and property, attract foreign investment, and increase food production by ensuring safe and secure environments for communities and farms.
President Tinubu sought the mandate of Nigerians to lead the nation through these challenging times, understanding that effective leadership was essential to tackle long-standing problems. He aimed to renew hope among citizens.
In just fourteen months of focused leadership, the administration has made significant progress, laying the groundwork for immediate, medium-term, and long-term prosperity for Nigerians in an inclusive way.
