Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Speaker of the House of Representatives on Saturday urged Nigerians to halt the ongoing nationwide protests, emphasizing that top government officials are currently addressing the country’s pressing issues.
In an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, Speaker Abbas explained that he had conveyed the grievances and demands of the youth to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following a town hall meeting on Wednesday.
The protests, which began on Thursday, have seen significant participation from Nigerian youths. Speaker Abbas highlighted his efforts to engage with over 25 youth groups at the National Assembly, where he had productive discussions about their concerns.
He reported that he had communicated these concerns to President Tinubu, who was receptive to the dialogue and committed to addressing the issues raised.
“We have already initiated discussions with the President about the youths’ concerns. He was satisfied with our engagement and expressed his commitment to addressing the issues systematically,” Speaker Abbas said.
The Speaker called for caution, urging Nigerians to avoid allowing the protests to escalate into violence. He acknowledged the right to peaceful protest but cautioned that such movements can sometimes be hijacked by unpatriotic elements, leading to destruction.
Speaker Abbas assured that the House is aware of the nation’s challenges and that the Tinubu administration is working diligently to tackle insecurity, inflation, and unemployment. He noted that positive changes are on the horizon.
He also mentioned that several Ministers participated in the engagement, providing the youth with insights into the government’s efforts to address their concerns.
