The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has clarified the Federal Government’s stance on the upcoming protests over Nigeria’s economic situation.
Speaking on Wednesday, Idris acknowledged the constitutional right of Nigerians to protest but warned that some individuals might exploit the demonstrations to incite violence.
Addressing the Charismatic Bishop Conference during their courtesy visit to his office in Abuja, Idris emphasised that the administration of President Bola Tinubu respects the rights of Nigerians to protest. However, he stressed the government’s duty to maintain public order and protect the rights of all citizens.
“The government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu believes in everyone’s freedom within the laws to do what they think is right. The President supports the right to protest but opposes any form of violence that could harm Nigerians’ well-being,” Idris stated. He added, “We have seen global protests escalate into violence, and we cannot allow that to happen here. Some people are waiting to exploit such situations to break the law.”
Idris assured that President Tinubu is aware of the genuine concerns expressed by Nigerians and is working on policies to alleviate the economic challenges they face. One such policy includes providing stipends to unemployed graduates from universities and polytechnics until they secure formal employment.
“But beyond that, there is also a new policy the President has formulated,” Idris revealed. “All young men and women who have finished their universities and polytechnics, completed their NYSC, and are yet to find jobs will receive financial support from the government to sustain them until they gain employment.”
The President General of the Charismatic Bishops Conference, Archbishop Leonard Kawas, also spoke at the meeting, distancing the conference from the planned national protest. He disclosed that they had been approached by some groups to join the protest but decided against it.
“Recently, we received calls from various organisations asking us to join in a nationwide protest starting on August 1, 2024. We do not share this view. Instead, we call for peace and request our aggrieved brothers and sisters to allow us time to communicate and negotiate with the government on their concerns,” Kawas said.
The protests, organised under the hashtag #EndbadgovernanceinNigeria, are scheduled to take place from August 1 to 10, 2024, in response to the ongoing economic hardship in the country.
