Ahead of the nationwide protest planned for August, the Minister for Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has called on Nigerians to be patient with the Federal Government. This plea came on Wednesday after a meeting with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume. Addressing journalists after the meeting, Minister Idris emphasized that the Federal Government is actively engaging with all relevant stakeholders to address the concerns leading to the protest.
Minister Idris conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s stance on the matter, highlighting that the President fully supports the right of individuals to protest peacefully within the bounds of the law. “The government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu believes in everyone’s freedom within the laws to do what he thinks is right for him. Therefore, the President is not an opponent of protest of any kind, but the President is an opponent of violence and anything that will negatively hamper the wellbeing of Nigerians,” the minister stated in a statement released by his spokesperson, Rabiu Ibrahim.
He further elaborated on the President’s commitment to democratic principles, asserting, “He believes and he has always been saying that within the tenets of democracy, you have every right to do whatever you want to do provided that right does not infringe on another person’s right. Why everybody is very cautious and very weary of this national protest is because we have seen what has happened around the world. 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.”
Minister Idris acknowledged the constitutionally guaranteed right of Nigerians to protest but expressed concerns about the potential for the demonstration to be hijacked by individuals seeking to cause trouble. He assured the public that the Tinubu administration is committed to ensuring that such activities do not disrupt public order or infringe on the rights of others.
The Minister emphasized that President Tinubu is acutely aware of the genuine concerns and complaints expressed by Nigerians. He reassured citizens that the administration is working diligently to implement effective policies aimed at alleviating the challenges faced by the populace and bringing relief to all Nigerians.
In light of the planned ‘EndBadGovernance’ protest slated for next month, President Bola Tinubu has appealed to Nigerians to reconsider and shelve the demonstration. The President’s plea was conveyed through the Information Minister during a briefing at the Presidential Villa on Tuesday. “The issue of the planned protest, Mr President does not see any need for that. He’s asked them to shelve that plan. He’s asked them to await the government’s response to all their pleas,” Minister Idris said.
President Tinubu’s administration is urging the protest organizers to hold off on their plans and allow the government time to address their concerns comprehensively. The administration remains dedicated to listening to the grievances of its citizens and providing solutions that will foster national unity and development.
This call for patience underscores the administration’s commitment to democratic values and the rule of law while striving to maintain peace and order across the nation.
