Government Ekpemupolo, widely known as Tompolo, has joined fellow Nigerians in urging the organizers of a forthcoming nationwide hunger protest to reconsider their plans, citing potential economic repercussions.
Speaking in Warri on Saturday, the prominent High Chief from Ijaw land expressed concern that the protest could ultimately inflict more damage than benefit on both the economy and national security.
Tompolo suggested that instead of taking to the streets, those planning to protest should engage with government officials at various levels to collaboratively seek sustainable solutions to the pressing issues at hand. The protest, driven by unnamed individuals, is slated to commence on Thursday.
While acknowledging that protests can serve as a vital tool for citizens to hold the government accountable, Tompolo warned that they can also impede progress.
He expressed optimism about Nigeria’s ability to overcome its current economic struggles, citing the nation’s rich human and natural resources.
“I have watched with great concern as our country strives to overcome poverty, illness, and deprivation,” he stated. “I am confident that we will one day rise above these developmental challenges and reclaim our rightful place among the nations of the world.”
He emphasized Nigeria’s wealth of resources, which he believes can lead the country toward a brighter future where its infrastructure functions effectively. “The key question in nation-building is not whether we have arrived but whether we are moving in the right direction,” he remarked.
Tompolo expressed faith in President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to national reform, praising his bold leadership and vision for change from the outset of his administration. “It takes a leader with a clear vision to initiate such significant changes on his first day in office,” he added.
Adding his voice to the consensus of many concerned Nigerians, including respected traditional leaders, Tompolo called for the postponement of the planned protest set to begin on August 1, 2024. He pointed out that the issues of hunger and hardship did not emerge overnight and acknowledged the president’s ongoing efforts to revitalize the economy through carefully crafted policies and initiatives.
He observed signs of improvement, particularly in the oil and gas sector, under Tinubu’s leadership over the past year. “When positive changes begin to take shape, what is often required is patience,” he advised.
Tompolo cautioned the organizers about the potential negative implications of the protest, suggesting that its timing is ill-suited to the current circumstances, and that it could inadvertently harm both the economy and national security.
