Tag: protest

Youth groups and associations in Kwara State on Friday dissociated themselves from the proposed national protest and demonstration, declaring that the protest will not solve any problem.

The groups, led by Comrade Alli Nasiru Yusuf, said it is agreeable that things are not easy economically in the country and across the universe, but the situation could be salvaged with engagements and dialogues.

“We have expressed our grievances to the Kwara State Government on issues and challenges bothering the youth constituency and other segments of the society in Kwara and Nigeria as a whole. We just had the meeting with various groups. Since the government has promised to progressively address some of our grievances, we are saying no protest in Kwara State,” he told reporters in Ilorin shortly after meeting some government officials.

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Present at the briefing were representatives of Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN); National Association of Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (NARTEAN); National Association of Students Union (NASU); Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria (TOAN); Okada Rider Association of Nigeria (ORAN); and Marketers Association of Nigeria (MAN); among others.

Top government officials who had earlier met with the groups include the Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon Ndanusa Sheu Usman; General Manager, Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP), Dr Abdulwasiu Olayinka Tejidini; and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Youth Development, Alhaji Abdulrazaq Alabere; among others.

Yusuf noted that it is obvious that Nigerians were facing a lot of challenges, especially in this present economic hardship, but violence or protest could not be the solution.

Traditional rulers in the country have expressed disapproval of the planned Economic Hardship Protest scheduled for August 1-10, 2024.

They have called on the federal government to address the high cost of living in the country.

In a communique issued at the end of their Quarterly Executive Committee meeting, held on Monday, July 22, 2024, at the NICON Luxury Hotel in Abuja, the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria urged the government to tackle the rising costs of petroleum products, electricity tariffs, and agricultural inputs.

The meeting was co-chaired by His Eminence, Alhaji (Dr.) Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, and His Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife.

The communique was signed by Alh. (Dr.) Yahaya Abubakar, Etsu Nupe, chairman, coordinating committee, traditional Rulers commended the government for the provision of Palliatives and Student Loan Scheme and recently approved the N70,000.00 Minimum wage for Nigerian workers.

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The resolution reads: “The high cost of living in the Country should be brought down by the Government by addressing the high cost of petroleum products, high cost of electricity tariff and agricultural inputs.

“Council reiterates the view that the task of building a stable, strong and purposeful Nation required the involvement of every stakeholder, including most emphatically the Traditional Leaders and called on all Nigerians to rededicate themselves to this noble and imperative duty.

“The Members of Council in the course of their deliberations frowned at the idea of the purported Economic Hardship Protest.

 “The idea is counterproductive and it could lead to wanton disruption of economic activities, disturbance of peace and loss of lives and properties. In the light of this, we enjoin all and sundry to embrace dialogue in finding a solution to the impasse.”

The council also “noted the serious level of unemployment and the economic challenges facing the citizenry, all of which lead to youth restiveness and other security challenges. Council equally notes the various Youth Empowerment programs of the Federal and state governments. Council therefore calls on the governments at all levels to ensure the proper implementation of those laudable programs; and calls on them to move vigorously to pursue effective economic programs that aim at poverty alleviation, infrastructural development and sustenance, employment generation, as well as demonstrate a renewed commitment to fight corruption in all its ramifications.

“Council noted the frequent consultation among Traditional Leaders and resolved to continue to meet, exchange ideas and examine the vital issues of Nation building in the desire to promote community security, mutual understanding, and national integration. Council further emphasized the importance of dialogue in resolving all contentious issues pertaining to nation-building.

“Traditional Institutions, religious bodies, strong NGOs, and Trade Unions (Teachers Union, Road Workers Union, etc) should be used by the government for the implementation of Government policies and programmes.

“The Traditional Rulers support the government for creating Price Control and Commodity Boards to effectively control the prices of food items and other Commodities.

 “More Manpower and equipment must be provided for the Military, Police, and other Paramilitary Agencies to enhance security in the Country.

“Cybercrimes, Human Trafficking, and Other Fraudulent Activities should be tackled decisively by the relevant agencies of the government.

“Government should create an enabling environment to dialogue with our subjects, especially the youths through community engagement.

  “The National Youth Service Corps members and other Youth Groups should be encouraged and supported to participate in agricultural activities to boost food production in the Country.”

…as Nigeria taps into global health initiative to fight malnutrition, food

Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on Nigerians to focus on finding solutions to the country’s challenges rather than resorting to protests.

Speaking at the launch of the Grand Challenges Nigeria (GCNg) Project, a global health initiative aimed at combating malnutrition and food insecurity, Shettima acknowledged the difficulties faced by Nigerians but emphasized the need for diplomacy, engagement, and patience.

Vice President Shettima unveiled the partnership targeted at addressing Nigeria’s pressing nutritional challenges with the Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN) during a high-level meeting at State House, Abuja, on Friday.

According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Information, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima likened the country’s current situation to a woman giving birth, stating that while the process may be painful, the outcome will be worth celebrating.

Shettima also addressed the issue of oil subsidy, describing it as a 50-year-old “albatross” on the nation’s neck, but expressed optimism that the upcoming harvests will have a positive impact on the common man.

This appeal comes as the country faces ongoing protests and economic challenges, with the Vice President urging Nigerians to work together towards finding solutions.

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“This is the time for us to solve our problems, not to protest. The right to protest is guaranteed in most democracies around the world, but when you can start the agitation, and you don’t know where it will end, it is a road to anarchy.

“We appreciate what Nigerians are going through, and our heart goes out to them. The oil subsidy has been an albatross on our neck for 50 years. Once the harvests start coming, we believe it will have a positive effect on the common man.

“I wish to call on you to advocate for diplomacy, engagement, and patience. The President is very much committed to the Nigerian project but it’s like a percolation project. When a woman is giving birth, it’s a very painful process but once the child is delivered, it is a cause for celebration”, he said.

As part of the government’s response to the nutritional crisis, VP Shettima reiterated the government’s commitment to the Nutrition 774 Initiative, explaining that “catalytic initiatives like the Nutrition 774 Initiative are meticulously designed to incentivize positive changes across our communities”.

The GCNg Project, a collaboration with the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, is set to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in addressing public health and food system challenges.

“The true challenge lies in seamlessly integrating these advancements into our existing low-resource settings,” Shettima stated, urging the Nutrition Society of Nigeria to “push the boundaries of innovation and deepen your collaboration with the government and other stakeholders.”

Accordingly, the leader of the NSN delegation, Prof. Hafiz Abubakar, called on the Vice President as Chairman of the Nutrition Council of Nigeria to spearhead the government’s component of the project and galvanise ministerial support for it.

He said: “We were able to key into the global Grand Challenges project, which is largely funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. We want the government to own this project and identify the partner agency or ministry that will sign the MoU.”

Earlier, Senior Programmes Manager for Grand Challenges Nigeria, Godwin Bamsa, provided context on the initiative’s global impact, noting that since 2003, the Gates Foundation has invested over $1.6 billion in health and innovation projects across 118 countries.

He stated: “The Grand Challenges project represents a transformative approach to solving critical health and nutrition issues in Nigeria. Our goal is to empower communities to take ownership of these solutions, ensuring sustainable impact across Nigeria.

“With the government’s partnership, we have the potential to revolutionise not just Nigeria’s health and food systems, but agriculture, science and technology, innovation, and other key sectors.”

Other members of the delegation were NSN President, Professor Wasiu Afolabi, NSN Board of Trustees Member, Professor Ignatius Onimawo, immediate past President of NSN, Dr. Bartholomew Brai; NSN Vice President North, Dr. Aliyu Maimuna Ladidi; Chairperson, NSN FCT Abuja Chapter, Major Edith Ogheneovo Nwachinaemere (Rtd); and NSN Council Member, Dr. Salihu Maiwada Abubakar.

….women shouldn’t join protest – APC Woman Leader

The coalition of Concerned Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Kaduna state, has backed out of the planned nationwide wide protest starting from the 1st of August, saying that, the mission of the protest is ambiguous.

In a related development, the national chairperson of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Women Voice Organization, (The Voice), Hajiya Binta Baba cautioned all the women in the country to distance themselves from joining the planned massive protests against President Tinubu’s government.

During a press conference at Arewa House, Kaduna, on Friday, July 26, the spokesperson for the CSOs, Kamaladeen Kabiru, stated that their withdrawal is not an indication of contentment with the economic hardship in the country. However, they cannot participate in a protest without a clear mission.

Kabiru said the CSOs shall be planning a better protest with a clear mission at a better time if the government fails to do the needful.

According to him, “We the Coalition of concerned CSOs of Kaduna state under the umbrella of Kaduna Concerned Groups (KCG) wish to use this medium to express our withdrawal from the planned nationwide protest of 1st to 10th August.

“Our withdrawal is not because we are happy with the Government policies but due to the fact that the mission behind the said protest is ambiguous and the leadership of the protest refused to make it clear.

“We wish to state it clear to the world that, we shall plan a better protest with a clear mission at a better time provided the government did not do the needful.

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“We equally wish to use this medium to appeal to the President to listen to the plight of the nation and handle the issues of insecurity, hardship, and fuel price hike with seriousness.

“Other issues include, a hike in electricity tariff, Tertiary institutions tuition fees hike as well issues the hike in interest rates of commercial banks,” he said

In her statement, Hajiya Binta Baba called on the aggrieved youth to embrace dialogue rather than embark on protests that would worsen the living conditions of Nigerians.

She however urged the aggrieved youth to cancel the protest planned for the sake of Nigeria’s unity, prosperity, and development.

According to her, “The present rise in the prices of commodities has resulted from the accumulated stress inherited from the previous governments, before the administration of President Buhari’s government.

“I am confident of Mr President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmad Tinubu’s commitment, expertise, integrity, dedication, and focus, which will eventually tackle the menace of insecurity, hardship, and economic meltdown facing the nation,” she said.

The chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Assets, Ademorin Kuye (APC, Lagos) on Thursday appealed to organisers of the planned nationwide protest to have to rethink and embrace dialogue.

Kuye, who represents Somolu Federal Constituency of Lagos state in the green chamber, said issues raised by the organisers are better resolved through dialogue.

In a statement in Abuja, he said: “The challenging situation the country facing is not lost on the Mr President and all stakeholders even as the National Assembly is urging all hands to be on deck as well as making necessary sacrifices and economic retooling to bring succour and turn around the economic downturn.

“We must understand that every change comes with its attendant demands and pains. But surely we will all smile and be happy for it when the benefits begin to pour in.

“The government’s efforts in the provision of massive infrastructural development thereby creating employment, student loan scheme, new minimum wage, financial autonomy for our local government, removal of fuel subsidy with its resultant increase in revenue to States and Local Governments will take time before Nigerians begin to see the positive effects.

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“I appeal that the youths should not engage in any protest that can have regrettable consequences on all of us, drive away would-be investors, paint our country in a bad light, and further polarize our political landscape”

“Let us embrace dialogue and peaceful negotiations just like the NLC and TUC, who were able to achieve the unimaginable and almost impossible new minimum wage for Nigeria workers.

 “Nowhere in the world has Riot achieved any meaningful results other than destruction and regrets.

“Declaring days of rage in a civil society is not protest but riots. This can only point to only one motive. Destruction and nothing more. I plead with our youths not to join hands with haters of Nigeria and embittered election losers who want to lapse on their genuine concern to unleash mayhem on the country.”

…Give govt time to address issues, says Okoh

The national leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), on Friday, July 26, advised Nigerians, especially those who will be involved in the scheduled August 1 nationwide protest to consider an alternative means of expressing their grievances.

It recommended that Nigerians should give the government more time to address pressing concerns.

According to a statement issued and signed by CAN president, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, “This period should be used to explore other legal avenues that will not easily give hoodlums the opportunity to hijack the exercise to destroy our national assets or endanger lives and property”.

He stated: “The national leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) stands in solidarity with the citizens of our great nation during these challenging times of economic hardship and pervasive hunger. We recognize and deeply empathize with the pain, anger, and frustration that many of our fellow Nigerians are experiencing.

“The cries of the people underscore the severe difficulties faced daily as families struggle to afford basic necessities and sustain their livelihoods.

“As we navigate this period of crisis, it is imperative to uphold the constitutional rights of every Nigerian to peacefully protest and express their grievances. The right to assemble and voice discontent is a cornerstone of our democracy and must be protected and respected by all. Peaceful protests are a powerful tool for civic engagement, allowing the populace to communicate their concerns and hold leaders accountable.”

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Okoh said the anxiety related to the impending protests is heightened, especially given the volatile experiences in countries like Kenya and Pakistan.

He said: “We must also draw from our recent history. The #ENDSARS and #RevolutionNow protests, though rooted in genuine grievances, were marred by tragic incidents where miscreants hijacked the process. This led to widespread looting, destruction of properties, and unfortunate loss of lives. These experiences have shown us that mass demonstrations can quickly degenerate into chaos if not properly managed and coordinated.

“In light of the planned protests scheduled to commence on the 1st of August, CAN urges all Nigerians to consider alternative means of expressing their grievances. We recommend giving the government more time to address these pressing concerns”.

The CAN President called on the government to cut the cost of governance and expedite its efforts to alleviate the hardships in the land.

“The opulent lifestyle of political office holders must be addressed to demonstrate the sincerity of those in government to improve the living conditions of the people. Likewise, it is imperative that the government implements the newly approved national minimum wage to provide immediate relief to struggling families.

“Furthermore, specific measures must be taken to put an end to kidnappings, banditry, and mass killings that have plagued various parts of our country. The security and well-being of every Nigerian should be paramount, and urgent action is required to restore peace and order.

“We also call on the government to expedite its efforts to alleviate the hardships in the land. There is an urgent need for more refined and effective policies that address the root causes of the economic challenges we face. The government must deepen its consultations with stakeholders, including religious leaders, to create a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to problem-solving. By working together, we can devise sustainable solutions that reflect the needs and aspirations of the people.

“In these trying times, let us all remember the words of our Lord Jesus Christ: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9). As we seek to bring about positive change, let us do so with a spirit of peace, love, and unity. Our strength lies in our ability to come together, support one another, and work collectively toward a better Nigeria.

“We pray for wisdom and discernment for our leaders, resilience and hope for our citizens, and divine intervention to guide us through these difficult times.

“May God bless Nigeria and grant us the peace and prosperity we earnestly seek”, Okoh added.