The Anioma Youth Forum Worldwide (AYF-W), a sociocultural organisation in the Delta North Senatorial District of Delta State, has urged youths in the community to shun the planned nationwide protest by “faceless” groups over economic hardship in the country.
The group said “a protest at this period is not only counter productive but will also jeopardize public peace.”
The group, in a statement by its National President, Nnamdi Ofonye, stated that Nigerians, particularly the youths, could express their dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the nation’s economy through other means that do not disrupt national stability.
The statement reads: “The forum emphasizes that while Nigerians, including the youths, have the inalienable right to a peaceful protest, historical records show that protests in the country often lead to unintended consequences as it has always been hijacked by hoodlums and unpatriotic groups in pursuit of selfish aggrandisement.
“The most recent, the EndSARS protest serves as a reminder of how such movements can be easily hijacked by miscreants, resulting in the loss of lives and the destruction of properties worth billions of Naira across all parts of the country.
“During the protest, Anioma land witnessed massive loss of government and private infrastratures many of which have not been replaced till date
“The forum, therefore, calls on all Anioma youths to shun the protest and at same, deny the proponents any parts of Anioma land for such actions that will definitely endanger the lives and properties of our people and by extension, threaten the peace and tranquility that exits across Anioma land.
“We owe it as a duty to protect the few government infrastructures cited in our land and will not give free way to anybody or group under any guise or disguise to destroy them. Never again.”
The statement urged Anioma youths to remain law-abiding citizens, as they join other citizens to seek and align with constructive ways to engage with governments.
It also urged the Delta Police Command and other sister security agencies in the state “to up their intelligence and information gathering within this period and also ensure adequate security and protection of lives and properties in all parts of Anioma land.”
President General of Alaba International Market Ojo Lagos, Chief Camilus Amajuoyi, has announced the market’s members will not participate in the planned nationwide protests.
He clarified this decision was not due to a lack of awareness of the current harsh economic conditions but stems from a belief that mass protests may not be the appropriate solution at this time.
Amajuoyi emphasised that many traders in the market rely on daily income and cannot afford to disrupt their business activities.
He pointed out that the informal sector, which includes many market members, has been severely affected by the tripling cost of doing business, with no government palliatives, incentives, or interest-free loans to alleviate their struggles.
He however expressed his confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ability to address the nation’s pressing issues.
“The fluctuating exchange rates and high costs of duties at national ports, coupled with increased transportation expenses, have made it nearly impossible for business owners to plan effectively. These factors have contributed to the sharp rise in the prices of goods and services across the country.
“These are realities staring Nigerians in the face, from the North, East west and South of the nation. Even at that, we members of Alaba International market unequivocally state that we are not going to partake in any planned protest in Nigeria, we are not closing our market in solidarity with any group or persons with regard to any protest.
“We believe that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will definitely find a lasting solution to the numerous challenges facing Nigerians now, ranging from insecurity, high cost of food, drugs, transportation, bad roads, corruption among other things,” Amajuoyi said.
Amajuoyi however decried the perilous state of the only access road to Alaba International Market, which has caused numerous accidents involving heavy-duty trucks.
He urged the Lagos State government to prioritize the repair of this critical route and focus on other projects that could significantly reduce the suffering of the masses.
He also warned potential protesters to stay away from Alaba International Market to prevent any looting or damage to goods.
He called on the Lagos State government, Nigerian police, military, DSS, and other security agencies to ensure that all market places are protected from criminal elements.
“Our market will not be a venue for protests, and we will not tolerate any disruptions,” Amajuoyi stated.
A South-east region stakeholders forum on the platform of South East Youth Development for Good Governance and Better Development (SEYDGGBD) has admonished youths from the region not to be involved in the planned August 1 nationwide protest.
The group, which comprises of political figures across the party lines, professionals, businessmen and women, emerging leaders and students, argued taking part in the protest by the people of South East region will amount to paying good with evil.
Arising from an emergency meeting in Abuja, the forum National Coordinator, Hon. Henry Ejiofor in a statement, said the region should not pay good for evil even as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently accented to the South East Development Commission Law.
The group reminded the people of the zone to bear in mind the efforts of the region’s Governors and individuals in securing the freedom of Nnamdi Kanu.
Ejiofor said the new legislation will amplify the commitment to the real rehabilitation and reconstruction of the South-East, 54 years after the civil war.
According to Ejiofor, the recent development in the South-east by both the federal and the state governments, especially the commissioning of Abia Power Projects, which is one of its kind, will Abia state to enjoy 24 24-hour electricity supply which will revive major industries in the South-East region.
He said: “As a forum, we are making this national call to South East youths and others across Nigeria not to allow faceless individuals to use them.
“As a region, we are grateful to President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for signing South East Development Commission Bills, and also to South East leaders that facilitated the bill.
“We are out today to discourage the South easterners from involving themselves in the well-publicised nationwide protest for the major reason of the ongoing developmental strides that the present government has put in place, and the good work the present crop of Governors in the region are doing.”
On the economic hardship in the country, the statement urged Nigerians to understand that President Tinubu needs more time for all his promising policies to come to fruition.
“We are discouraging our kinsmen against the protest because most of the sponsors are faceless and, quiet, unlike other protest that the organizers are known.
“Again, we do not know the real intention of the organizers, therefore, we will not support violent protest that can lead to the loss of lives of our hardworking brothers and sisters as a result of the protest.
“Also, aside from distracting the governments at all levels, this action will create more hunger while many people may lose their means of livelihood.”
The statement urged Nigerians, especially the South easterners to give President Tinubu the benefit of the doubt based on his recent promise to end the suffering of the masses through some of his policies and programmes.
The monarchs were led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.
Ooni, co-chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, urged protesters to exercise their civic rights peacefully.
“It’s their civic right, but let them put a face to it and don’t let it be hijacked by people that have ulterior motives. That is our stand.
“It is very difficult to build, but it is the easiest to destroy.
“We are all stakeholders of this country, we should be stronger as a nation together, than stronger individually.
“The President has said it and he will continue to say it, any leader that you don’t like, wait and vote him out. He is open to dialogue.
“We know that challenges are so many in Nigeria, but are we going to destroy our nation by ourselves? Is that what we’re all after?
“We should talk to ourselves. The government, ably led by the President, is willing to engage and dialogue and bring governance very close to the people,” Oba Ogunwusi said.
Dein of Agbor, Keagborekuzi Ikenchuku Gbenoba, appealed to youths to refrain from destructive protests, urging them to work with the government to find solutions to the country’s challenges.
He urged calm and collaboration, encouraging youths to give the government a chance to address their concerns and find solutions.
“Hearing from Mr. President directly, I can see the passion. The government understands we are at the precipice.
“Our youths are our future and I think today we’ve demonstrated that the government, with the officials, we do have the hearts of the nation in our minds, we will listen to our youths. Let us not destroy our own country,” he said.
The Emir of Zauzzau, Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, appealed to Nigerians to remain calm and patient, urging them to listen to the government’s plans to address the country’s challenges.
He expressed hope that the government’s blueprint would bring positive change.
“The message we are taking back to our people is to be calm, exercise patience, listen to the words of wisdom coming from the government.
“The President has given us the blueprint of what he has been doing over time and we are hopeful that by God’s grace, it will be alright,” Bamalli said.
Calls to shelve protest grows
Calls on the planners of the August 1 nationwide protest against alleged bad governance to have a rethink rose yesterday with lawmakers, groups and monarchs urging dialogue.
While Lagos State lawmakers advised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to organise town hall meetings to calm frayed nerves, Afenifere, the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi and Alafin of Afin Akoko, Akoko Northwest Council in Ondo State, Oba Abdur Adejoro, advised that government should engage youths in productive activities.
Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Public Assets Ademorin Kuye, Baba Adinni of Lagos Sikiru Alabi-Macfoy spoke in the same vein
As the pleas echoed, the Oyo State Government convened a meeting of stakeholders to ensure the protest was conducted peacefully.
The Benue State Government announced the recruitment of 500 youths to stop the protest from holding.
The planned protest topped the agenda of the state House Assembly with members, saying the state’s experience during the 2020 #EndSARS protest, must not be repeated.
They called on Governor Sanwo-Olu to take major steps, including calling a town hall meeting to avert the planned demonstration.
The lawmakers, in a ‘Matter of Urgent Public Importance’ tabled by Majority Leader Noheem Adams, said one of the meetings should be between the governor and elected political leaders, including those in the National Assembly.
The second meeting, according to him, should be with traditional rulers, religious leaders, heads of market associations, transport unions and related stakeholders.
Speaker Mudashiru Obasa said governments needed to do the needful to protect lives and property in the state.
Obasa, who remarked that Lagos was still grappling with the impact of the #EndSARS protest appealed to the youth to be patient with the government of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
Lagos defends Oro adherents
Earlier, the state government dissociated itself from the Oro festival that would begin on August 1 and end on the 15th.
The government, however, explained that traditional worshipers have a right to go about their lawful practices just like adherents of other religions.
Gboyega Akosile, special adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Sanwo-Olu, said: “Oro festival is like Muslim and Christian activities and has no business with Lagos State government interference. We don’t have a hand in how any religious group goes about their lawful activities.
“The protesters have their rights just like the traditional worshippers who want to perform their activities too. What is our business in that?
“If anybody wants to protest, they should come out and carry out their right lawfully by not disrupting the business activities in the state.
“We will not allow the peace of the state to be disrupted. No responsible government will allow it.”
Afenifere, Oluwo seek dialogue
The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, appealed to organisers and the government to dialogue over issues that led to the protest call.
Admitting that people have a right to protest, Afenifere said it must be done within the ambit of the law.
The group, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, said the planners needed to know that protest was not the only way to draw the government’s attention.
Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Akanbi said President Tinubu needs to invite stakeholders like Labour leaders, opposition parties and Civil Society Organisations to ‘’meeting to discuss the state of the nation and collate more ideas to address the economic hardship.’’
“I’ve strong hope in the opposition leaders to honour national dialogue and contribute intellectual ideas to national development.
“No patriotic opposition leaders will want Nigeria to be destroyed,” he stated.
Oyo stakeholders meet
Oyo State Government held a stakeholder meeting to harmonise thoughts and ensure the protest was conducted within constitutional provisions.
The stakeholders included heads of security agencies, park managers, local government chairmen and market leaders.
Fatai Owoseni, special adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Security, who chaired the meeting, explained that the aim was to ensure that the protest did not assume the #EndSARS dimension.
He warned that stealing, looting, destruction of properties, obstruction of traffic flow and use of arms under any guise would not be allowed.
Commissioner Ayo Sonubi said security agencies would cooperate with the protesters and ensure the protest was not hijacked by hoodlums.
Bauchi, Benue say no to protest
However, the Bauchi State Government declared that it would not stand by and allow any protests to occur in the state.
Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Ibrahim Kashim, warned those planning to protest in the state to reconsider their intention.
In Benue State, 500 youths have been mobilised by the government to ensure that the protest did not hold.
A former presidential aspirant under the Labour Party (LP), Faduri Oluwadare Joseph has appealed to the youth in the country planning a peaceful protest to ensure they keep it peaceful and not allow thugs to hijack the protest to turn it violent.
In a statement by Joseph’s media adviser, Rev. Emmanuel Olorunmagba, called on President Bola Tinubu not to use uniformed men against the peaceful protesters.
“This protest being planned by Nigerians is long overdue. Protest is simply a way of expressing dissatisfaction with the government anywhere in the world, even in America where we have better governance, the people still stage peaceful protests and police will only be out to ensure law and order are maintained. And the government will always give the protesters listening ears as they know they are exercising their right to self-expression.
“When the government is in the wrong direction, the people have the right to protest. When government policies are not favourable, in line and in tune with people’s values, citizens have the right to protest.
“All across the world; from America to Europe, protest is not to overthrow a government, but to express dissatisfaction when the people are suffering. The planned protest should not be tribalized or trivialized as politicians used to do when something didn’t favour them.
“Democracy is the government of the people, by the people, and for the people; which means governance is for the masses. The pertinent question to Nigerians is that irrespective of your tribe and religion, are you better off now than one year ago when President Tinubu took over power? The answer is capital NO
“If we have a Hausa man as president and there is protest, the politicians will mobilize their boys to tag it Yoruba people protest. If we have an Igbo man as president they will call it Hausa or Yoruba protest. Now that we have a Yoruba man as president they are trying to tag it as Hausa or Igbo people protest.
“But the question again is that, are the Yoruba people better off in terms of welfare than another tribe now a year after Tinubu took over? The answer again is a resounding NO! The hunger in the land doesn’t care about your ethnicity. Irrespective of your tribe we buy from the same market at unbearable outrageous high costs.
“Obviously this government is going in the wrong direction. And protest is a way the citizens can voice out. And peaceful protest is not a new thing under a democratic administration. For instance, despite the good governance in America, the citizens still protest over one government policy or another. Why then must the Nigerian government be afraid of protest?
“This protest is going to be spearheaded by the youths. Therefore I plead with the youths to ensure it remains peaceful. And to the youths, the politicians may try to disrupt the protest in any form; including trying to create violence so as to discredit the good idea of the organizers. I call on such youths to have rethink and not make themselves willing to tool in the hands of politicians who have destroyed the entire system and still destroying the future of the same youths, while their children are abroad. Any politician that needs youth as thugs should be asked to call their children to Nigeria to do the dirty job.
“To the Nigerian Police and other uniform personnel, I call on you not to be used to shoot or even fire teargas as the protest will continue to be a peaceful expression by the suffering masses. You are supposed to be for the maintenance of peace and order and not a mere tool in the hand of the government to turn the barrel of the gun against your fellow citizens while they are exercising their rights to speak out when the pains everyone is passing through has become unbearable, including you and your family.
“And to president Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I want to assume he may not use uniform men to launch mayhem on the peaceful protesters as he has been at the forefront of many protests in Nigeria right from the days of the military to the tenure of former President Goodluck Jonathan, that he (Tinubu) was at the forefront of the protest against subsidy removal.
“Therefore, I call on Mr. President to call on members of his team that are now using social media to propagate anomalies over this protest and trying to tag it TRIBALISM, to desist from such act as it’s not yielding positive response.
“I wish all Nigerians the best of luck as we embark on this peaceful protest, believing it will lead to this President Tinubu-led administration to sit up and see to the untold hardship in the country. And let’s keep educating the people that protest is not a tribal issue, but a peaceful expression of displeasure over unfavourable government policies,” the statement said.
Mixed reactions have continued to trail the planned nationwide protest as called by some unnamed groups over the current hardship in the country.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some undisclosed bodies planned the protest for Aug. 1 with posters and hashtags already made viral on social media platforms.
Speaking with NAN in Ibadan on Thursday, some respondents opposed the protest while others saw it as the people’s legitimate and fundamental right to air their grievances.
A civil servant at the state secretariat, Mrs Toyin Olutimilehin, said the protest might not be positive for the polity because it could disrupt their work schedule.
“It can affect our daily routine because, sometimes, these protests get out of control.
“They will sometimes block the main road to cause extreme traffic, leading to obstruction of duty and interference to work,” she said.
Another civil servant, Mr Folarin Babatunde, also opposed the idea of protesting to be be heard.
According to him, the protest is only an excuse for the youths to show their presence and an opportunity for criminals to exhibit their criminal tendencies.
“It will lead to criminal activities such as vandalism and the destruction of properties, putting lives at stake.
“People put their lives at risk all in the name of a better country, and what is the assurance that this protest will solve the country’s many problems?
“Rome was not built in a day; give the president time to renovate the country at his pace,” Babatunde said.
Meanwhile, Mrs Olanrewaju Temitope, a trader at the Ring Road axis of Ibadan, was more interested in protecting her business should the protest end in looting and destruction of properties.
“Besides, sales for that period will be low, affecting my day-to-day life.
“My rent is due, and the protest will negatively affect my income, thus restricting me from paying my rent.
“Please, Nigerians shouldn’t go through with the protest as it can lead to many things; it won’t still solve their problems,” she said.
On the other hand, a youth corps member, Mr Ifeanyi Eze, says he wholeheartedly supports the protest.
According to him, the country is in a state of distress, and everybody is just used to suffering and smiling; this protest is the only way for us to be heard and seen.
Eze said, “Although the protest might not lead to a complete change, it will at least make them see that we want a change, and we’ll be heard.
“This hardship is too much to bear. Dangote is also feeling it as he’s always granting one interview or the other these days.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said intelligence has revealed that some “unscrupulous elements are bent on hijacking the planned protest for violent purposes.”
It saud “unscrupulous elements”have targeted to attack persons with things as basic as a smartphone, car, house, shop, or even use air conditioners in their houses.
The Director Defence Media Operations, Maj-Gen Edward Buba, stated this at a briefing on Thursday.
The DHQ said other places targeted are places of worship, businesses, markets, persons of other ethnic groups and members of opposing political parties.
It said: “Pertaining to the planned nationwide protest, there are essentially several factors to be thoroughly examined. Some of which are whether or not the planned protests is motivated by opposition politics, independent parties, sovereign interference, terrorist groups or any numbers of organizations that have fed on the frustrations of Nigerians to create the situation.
“However, for us in the military, the constitution is clear as to how and when the military gets involved. The constitution also clearly defines the roles and functions of the armed forces. On the other hand, while citizens have a constitutional right to peaceful protest, they do not have a right to mobilize for anarchy in order to unleash terror.
“The contemporary context of the planned protest is to shadow happenings in Kenya which has so far been violent and unresolved to date. Given the situation, there are already indicators that unscrupulous elements are bent on hijacking the planned protest for violent purposes.
“ For instance, there are signs of status related violence such that persons with things as basic as a smart phone and car are targets. This does not leave out those that own a house, shop, or even use air conditioners in their houses. Other targets includes; places of worship, businesses, markets, persons of other ethnic groups and members of opposing political parties among others.
“Based on the foregoing, the level of violence envisaged is best described as a state of anarchy. It is for this reason the armed forces will not watch and allow the nation spiral out of control to such low levels.
“Basically, the military has been exposed to wars and has witnessed situations of anarchy in countries ravaged by war, particularly during ECOMOG or during peacekeeping operations. It is for this reason that troops will act dutifully to forestall such ugly occurrences from happening in our nation.”
The military high said it has put troops on red alert and vowed to resist attempts by any group to through the country into anarchy.
It said the timing and the atmosphere of hardship in the country make the planned protest different from others in the past.
“ It is therefore incumbent upon us all, to quench the fires of violence rather than ignite them.”
It is time to let cool heads prevail in order for the government to further remedy the situation and make our nation flourish again,” the DHQ said.
Governors yesterday led in cautioning protest promoters, saying there will be no room for a repeat of the 2020 #EndSARS which wreaked havoc on many cities.
Although they acknowledged the freedom to protest, the governors said it must be peaceful.
Southeast governors spoke in unison against the planned protest through their chairman, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma.
Oba of Benin Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and chairmen of local governments in Lagos State, among others, also cautioned against violent protest.
For the second time in 48 hours, Informational and National Orientation Minister Mohammed Idris explained why promoters of the protest should shelve the idea.
Yesterday, a high-level meeting at the Aso Villa seat of power attended by Secretary to the Government of the Federation Senator George Akume, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and Defence Minister Abubakar Badaru was held on the likely breach of national security, it was learnt.
On Monday, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun underscored the need to keep the peace if a protest must be staged by any group.
He warned that violence will not be tolerated because the police will protect national assets.
The 2020 #EndSARS protest was initiated by youths to campaign against the brutality of the police outfit Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
The protest turned violent, leading to killings, looting, and destruction of public and private property and national assets.
Hundreds of millions of naira worth of properties were destroyed.
Abiodun, who met with a coalition of youth organisations in Abeokuta, the state capital, appealed to them to constructively engage the government in finding lasting solutions to national problems instead of embarking on protests.
He said: “There are calls for mass protests across the country and the first thing that agitates one’s mind is: is that the way to present our case to government?
“Is that the way to constructively and objectively engage with the government by advertising and planning mass protests?
“Is there something behind those who are calling for these protests? Is this another plan by those who have tried their luck and have lost? Is this their own way and shortcut to see how to frustrate the government?
“Young men and women, you have no other country than this country. I am sure, like many of you, there is no country in the world where you can walk like your own, except in Nigeria.
“There is a Yoruba proverb that says ‘beheading is not the solution for a headache’. If there are issues, let us discuss them, let us find a way around them, and let us manage and correct them. Let us not cut off the head or attempt to cut off the head because of a headache. That will amount to decapitation.”
Abiodun urged the youths to become solution centres by bringing in their vibrancy and ingenuity in resolving national challenges.
Aiyedatiwa emphasised the importance of constructive engagement and dialogue in addressing the challenges.
He appealed to the youth, especially students, to give President Bola Ahmed Tinubu more time to address their complaints.
The governor, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Students’ Affairs, Kevin Olaolu, said: “We urge all students to support the Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to bring about positive change and development in our country.
“In the spirit of unity and progress, we call for peace among all Nigerian students and emphasise the importance of constructive engagement and dialogue in addressing our challenges.”
In Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State, Diri advised youths to avoid being used by disgruntled politicians to cause trouble in the name of demonstration.
The governor, who commended Bayelsa youths for their peaceful conduct during the #EndSARS protest, called for vigilance by security agencies, council chairmen and traditional rulers to avert any eventuality.
At a meeting with leaders of Ogboinbiri, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Diri said: “I like to call on you again to remember the #EndSARS protest and be disciplined and keep our state safe.
“We are getting reports about some politicians that lost elections and want to use the protest to cause havoc. We will not accept that in Bayelsa State.
“Every local government chairman and every king in their domains have to be vigilant.
“We are a state that needs development and we should not allow anybody to thwart the developmental efforts of our state.”
Southeast governors oppose protest, says Uzodimma
Uzodimma said while a protest is legitimate in a democratic setting, the proposed action is questionable because the motive of the faceless organisers is unknown.
He said the protests could worsen the economic hardship caused by the global recession and heat the polity.
Uzodimma advised the organisers to embrace dialogue instead of insisting on protest.
He said: “Democracy is about the opinion of the people and the protest is allowed in a democratic setting. Every protest must be reasonably conceived to be able to make political sense.
“I think it’s too early at this time in the life of this government for anybody to come out to say he wants to protest.
“First of all, there has not been any engagement where those who are sponsoring the protest were able to tell us the reasons for the protests.
“Secondly, given the global situation today and the insecurity in the country, we have a very fragile political environment that if not managed and protected very well, it may collapse the entire country.
“Those who are going to protest, what is the reason for the protests, and if they have no reason for the protests, I think our advice is that well-meaning Nigerians, citizens of this country should guide our country very jealously.”
He added: “I think it is a wrong time for anybody to do any protest because the implication of doing that, if care is not taken, is that it may be hijacked, like the #EndSARS experience where criminals hijacked an innocently conceived agitation by young Nigerians.
“This is another kind of temptation. Those behind the protest have not come out openly to say they’re behind it. There is a motive that is yet to be unravelled.
“I think that we are not in support of the protest. We are not going to support any protest that has no programme, that is not discussed, that nobody knows what the problem is.
“If you are protesting, what do you want the government to do? Because the reason for protests is that they want an issue to be addressed. What are the issues?
“In my view, I think there is no need to overheat the polity, overheat our environment and put our people in a position where the hardship that is occasioned by economic recession all over the world is further worsened. So, I advise against the protests.”
Oba of Benin calls for peace
The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, called on aggrieved organisers to shelve their plan.
The monarch, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Osaigbovo Iguobaro, pleaded with the organisers to give the Federal Government enough time to implement its economic policies.
The Oba of Benin said for things to get better, it had to be tough for a while, urging President Tinubu to intensify efforts in the implementation of his economic and security policies.
President against violence, says Idris
Information Minister Idris, who received leaders of the Charismatic Bishop Conference in Abuja, said President Tinubu is against violent protest.
He said: “The government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu believes in the freedom of everyone within the confine of the law to do what he thinks is right for him.
“Therefore, the President is not an opponent of protest of any kind. But the President is an opponent of violence and anything that will negatively hamper the well-being of Nigerians.
“He believes and he has always been saying that within the tenets of democracy, you have every right to do whatever you want to do, provided that right does not infringe on another person’s right.
“Why everybody is very cautious and very weary of this national protest is because we have seen what has happened around the world.
“We know that it’s almost impossible to hold this protest and then have peace at the end of the day. We cannot do that because some people are waiting to take the laws into their own hands.”
Idris said President Tinubu is fully aware of the genuine concerns and complaints of peace-loving people across the nation.
He also assured that the president is actively working to implement effective policies aimed at resolving the challenges and bringing relief to all Nigerians.
The minister said because the President is committed to the welfare of workers, he sustained his engagement with the Organised Labour after the Tripartite Committee on the National Minimum Wage concluded its assignment and submitted its report.
He said the engagement gave birth to the N70,000 national minimum wage.
Idris described the introduction of the Compressed National Gas (CNG) policy by the President as a game changer in the economy because of its ability to bring down the cost of transportation by about 60 per cent, thereby providing a viable alternative to petrol and diesel.
The minister said henceforth, any government procurement of vehicles or machinery must have a component of CNG embedded in the contracts.
He also alluded to the improvement in the security situation in the country, saying that since the advent of the Tinubu Administration, peace had returned to many troubled spots.
Fed govt appeals for calm, peace
The Federal Government appealed to citizens planning the protest to give President Tinubu and his ministers time as they are working to change the situation.
Idris made the appeal after an emergency meeting of members of the Federal Executive Council called yesterday by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, at his office in Abuja.
The minister stressed that everyone is entitled to their opinion in a democracy, but urged protesters to be patient and give the government time to address their concerns.
He assured that President Tinubu was working tirelessly and that all hands were on deck to ensure that the government’s efforts benefit all Nigerians.
The minister reiterated the President’s message, urging Nigerians to calm down and give him more time to address their pleas.
“The protesters are also Nigerians. This is a democratic situation. What I keep saying is that we’re all Nigerians and we’re all acting in the interest of Nigeria, but suffice it to say that Mr President said there’s no need for any protest. Let us calm down.
“A lot is happening. Nigeria is going to move and march on and we believe that whatever government comes out with will be in the interest of Nigeria.
“We don’t think that there’s a need for any protest. We’re appealing for calm. We’re appealing for a peaceful resolution or peaceful approach to any issue.
“If you have anything that you want to put out there, you are free to put it out there, but the government is insisting that we’re all Nigerians.
“We have to be calm, we have to be patient and suffice it to say that let us give peace a chance.
“Mr President is working round the clock, his ministers are working, everyone is working, all hands are on deck.
“Like I said yesterday (Tuesday), everyone is listening; we’re all listening, the President is listening and he has a message for all Nigerians, that message is that they should all calm down, they should please give the man more time. Everything they ask for, all their pleas will be answered.
“No one is going to sleep. Those who are agitating and asking for protest are Nigerians, they’re our brothers and sisters, they’re all Nigerians and those in positions of authority – the ministers, the President, everybody, we’re all Nigerians too.
“So, this is a family matter, this is a Nigerian family issue and all of us are looking at this issue very well and we hope that peace will prevail at the end of the day.”
Asked if the government has been engaging with leaders of the planned protest, Idris said: “Engagement has always been an ongoing thing, this is not a peculiar situation, engagement has been ongoing.
“The President has met severally with all key stakeholders. I have also been meeting with stakeholders, other functionaries have also been meeting with other key stakeholders.
“Engagement is going to continue and in the interest of Nigeria, we will continue to engage.”
Bishops reject protest invitation
The President-General of the Charismatic Bishops Conference, Archbishop Leonard Kawas, dissociated the conference from the protest.
Addressing Idris during the visit, he said the conference had been approached by some groups to join the protest, but the request was declined.
Archbishop Kawas said: “We received some calls from some religious and other organisations asking us to join in preparation for a nationwide protest, which would start from 1st August.
“We do not think the same. We have rather decided to go all out and call for a truce.
“We have decided to sue for peace and humbly request that our brothers and sisters who are aggrieved in one way or the other, should give us some time while we continue to communicate and negotiate with this government on areas that are pertinent to them.”
Protest will not be tolerated, Lagos council chairmen warn
The Conference 57, a group comprised of the 57 development council chairmen in Lagos State, urged residents to shun the protest.
It warned that the state would ‘’not tolerate any form of protest.’’
“We appeal to all Lagosians to not allow themselves to be used for any planned protest. All the local governments in Lagos state will not tolerate any form of protest.
“We appeal to the organisers of the planned protest to reconsider their approach,” the group’s Chairman, Kolade Alabi, said.
Alabi, who is the Bariga Council chairman, advocated demonstrations based on taking to the ballot rather than protests.
He emphasised that electoral processes offer a more constructive and legitimate means of expressing grievances and driving change.
Tinubu is up and doing, says APC
National Working Committee (NWC) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) urged the organisers to shelve their plan and have confidence in the government’s ability to reposition the country for excellence.
It also appealed to parents and well-meaning Nigerians not to allow their children and wards to be used for violence
APC National Secretary Dr. Ajibola Basiru, who spoke with reporters after the NWC meeting, said the committee joined President Tinubu in appealing to the organisers.
Basiru said despite the economic challenges he inherited, President Tinubu is implementing programmes and policies that would shortly bring succour and relief to Nigerians.
He said the world is yet to fully recover from the post-Covid-19 pandemic, the Ukraine/Russian war and the conflict between the Israelis and the Hamas in Gaza, stressing that these crises have effects on the global economy.
Basiru said some of the political and constitutional demands of the organisers can only be addressed through a constitutional amendment by the National Assembly.
Ethnic, political groups, VC reject protest
Others who urged caution by youths included the Adamawa State chapter of the APC, the Arewa Youth Assembly Arewa Think Tank, Urhobo Progress Union(UPU) Youth Wing, Northeast Youth Ambassadors, the Petroleum Tanker Drivers branch of the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), former spokesperson for Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Daniel Bwala; Vice-Chancellor of Salem University Lokoja Alewo Johnson-Akubo and an Egba High Chief Oluyinka Kufile.
Ahead of the planned protest on August 1, anonymous users have been weaving a digital web on social media, especially X (formerly known as Twitter), to rally support and encourage collective action.
Using faceless accounts with unverified usernames and images, these organisers hide in anonymity, evading identification while maintaining a powerful presence.
Their strategy revolves around engagement, as they meet throughout the day and at night on X Spaces.
Spaces is a way to have live audio conversations on X. Anyone can join, listen, and speak in a Space on X.
These protest organisers actively interact with other users, answering questions, addressing concerns, and fostering a community spirit.
This interaction builds a virtual fellowship, a network of individuals bound by a common cause, ready to converge on August 1.
Occasionally, the anonymous organisers open the floor for discussion, attracting government supporters.
These discussions sometimes escalate into heated arguments, insults, and inevitable confrontations that highlight the deep ethnic and political divisions in the country.
’There is evidence Tinubu has great plans for you’
A sociopolitical group, ‘Ojo Ola Oyo’, has urged youths in Oyo State to desist from partaking in “any fruitless protest.”
Palpable fear has gripped the country since there has been threat of an impending nationwide demonstration to protest biting economic condition in the country, starting from August 1.
While a section of the political space has been saying there should be no going back on the planned protest, others have been calling for caution, citing the example of the October 2020 #EndSARS protest, aftermath of which killings, maiming and destruction of properties, public and private, became the lot of the nation.
A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), ‘Ojo Ola Oyo’, lent its voice to the discussion in a statement by its founder, Alhaji Kehinde Olaosebikan, made available to reporters in Ibadan.
It advised youths in Oyo State to take cognisance of the verifiable moves President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration had made to secure their future.
Olaosebikan said: “If the youth can’t see these moves, at least, they are aware of the students’ loan scheme of the current administration. This scheme, which gives loan at no interest, doesn’t only cover theoretical academic pursuits, but also the area of vocational training.
“Any government that takes away the burden of education financing, we must understand, prioritises the future of the nation.
