The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has asked Nigerians to postpone the action and give the Federal Government more time.
The king made the call in a statement issued on Wednesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Osaigbovo Iguobaro.
He also requested that the Federal Government expedite the implementation of its economic programs in order to alleviate Nigerians’ current misery.
“Arising from the emergency meeting of the National Executive Committee of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) held in Abuja on Monday, July 22, the Omo N’Oba wishes to appeal to the general public to give the Federal Government sufficient time to implement its economic policies aimed at alleviating the present hardship experienced by Nigerians,” his statement read.
“The Omo N’Oba urges people planning the August 1st nationwide protest to abandon their plans. The Omo N’Oba also urges the Federal Government to step up its efforts to execute economic and security objectives.
The protest against economic hardship, which has gained pace on social media, is set to take place in all states of the Federation as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, in August. The protest organisers have not been identified.
Prices for food and basic goods have skyrocketed in recent months, as Nigerians grapple with one of the country’s biggest inflation and economic crises, triggered by the government’s dual policies of removing petrol subsidies and unifying forex windows.
The Federal Government, through the National Orientation Agency (NOA), the Nigeria Police Force, and the House of Representatives, have issued warnings against the planned demonstration.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and embattled Senator Ali Ndume have asked the President to address the concerns of the dissatisfied, who are primarily young people.
Meanwhile, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga cautioned on Saturday that if the scheduled protest goes ahead, it might devolve into asset damage, similar to the EndSARS rally against police brutality and extrajudicial executions in October 2020.