In a move to maintain public order, the Federal Government has expressed its opposition to the planned nationwide protests scheduled for August 1-10, 2024, over the prevailing economic realities in Nigeria.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, explained the government’s stance, stating that while Nigerians have the constitutionally guaranteed right to protest, the administration is aware that some individuals may attempt to hijack the demonstrations and cause trouble.
“The government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu believes in everyone’s freedom within the laws to do what they think is right. However, the President is an opponent of violence and anything that will negatively impact the wellbeing of Nigerians,” Idris said during a courtesy visit by the Charismatic Bishop Conference to his office in Abuja on Wednesday.
The minister acknowledged the genuine concerns and complaints expressed by Nigerians across the nation, and he assured that the Tinubu administration is actively working to implement effective policies aimed at alleviating the challenges faced by the citizenry and bringing relief to all Nigerians.
Idris revealed that the government is planning to introduce a policy that will provide stipends to all young university and polytechnic graduates who are unemployed, until they secure formal employment in any sector of the economy.
In a separate development, the President General of the Charismatic Bishops Conference, Archbishop Leonard Kawas, dissociated the conference from the planned national protest. Kawas said they had been approached by some groups to join the protest, but they have instead decided to “sue for peace” and engage the government on pertinent issues.
The planned protests, organized under the hashtag #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria, were aimed at drawing attention to the prevailing economic hardship in the country. However, the government’s opposition to the demonstrations highlights its concerns about potential disruptions to public order and the rights of others.
