The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, on Wednesday, urged Nigerians not to proceed with the planned nationwide protests amidst the current economic crisis.
Akume made this appeal during a press briefing in Abuja on the eve of the planned demonstrations across the 36 states of the federation and the FCT.
He emphasized that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is actively working to address the numerous challenges facing the nation.
“We therefore appeal to Nigerians of whatever persuasion, belief, demography, gender and status to shun calls for protest against hunger by prioritising peace and progress,” the SGF said.
He expressed optimism that with the several interventions by the Federal Government, the hardships Nigerians were experiencing would be a thing of the past.
“The ongoing economic hardships would abate very soon and we shall all enjoy endless prosperity.
“For the avoidance of doubts, the government of President Tinubu recognises the right to peaceful protest but circumspection and vigilance should be our watchwords.
“Government is weary of the dangers associated with protests that are vulnerable to being highjacked by bandits, insurgents and other criminals. Rather, we request that dialogue should be advanced and we remain open to such,” he said.
Legitimate Businesses
During the briefing, the SGF urged the public to focus on their legitimate business activities instead of participating in the demonstrations against the current administration.
To the former Benue State Governor, “economic prosperity for the nation remains the ultimate goal of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu because it is the engine that drives progress, lifts families from poverty, and builds strong, resilient societies.”
He stated, “This administration at inception in May 2023 inherited an economy in need of urgent, bold and imaginative reforms. Policy measures including the removal of an unsustainable fuel subsidy regime had to be taken. This, it must be admitted has resulted in unexpected adjustments that impacted all facets of the economy and our daily lives.
“The administration similarly inherited a security situation that had existed for two decades and required greater attention in terms of upgrade of security architecture, infrastructure, systems, capability and capacity of personnel. This has compelled a massive infusion of scarce resources from our already dwindling revenue. The objectives have been to secure lives and property, build foreign investors’ confidence, and increase food production by returning our communities to their homes and farmlands in a safe and secure environment.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu sought the mandate of Nigerians to lead the nation at this difficult time because he knew that effective leadership was required to address the challenges that had accumulated over several years. That was why he sought to renew the hope of Nigerians.
“Within a space of fourteen months of purposeful leadership, the administration has recorded tremendous accomplishments that laid the foundation for the immediate, medium and long-term prosperity of Nigerians, in an inclusive manner.”