Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, expressed worries on Wednesday about the planned hunger protest scheduled for August 1-10, warning that the demonstrations could be hijacked by bandits and insurgents.
He said that instead of protesting, Nigerians engage the government in different ways to ensure that the current administration keeps its promises.
“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 be advanced, and we remain open to such,” Akume said while briefing journalists and media executives at the Radio House in Abuja on Wednesday.
He went on to say that demonstrations are not the solution to the problems that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is attempting to address.
“It is in the light of these aforementioned situations and accomplishments that we wish to inform you that Nigeria is a work in progress, and due course, we shall breathe a sigh of relief. The ongoing economic hardships would abate very soon, and we shall all enjoy endless prosperity.
“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. For the avoidance of doubts, the government of President Tinubu recognises the right to peaceful protest but circumspection and vigilance should be our watchwords.
“Our appeal is that Nigerians should please pursue the path of peace, dialogue, and collaboration in addressing the challenges that collectively confront us. Please go about your legitimate businesses and avoid actions and/or associations that are capable of disturbing the peace of the country. Remain vigilant as well.
“Let me reassure you that together, we shall create a Nigeria where peace and stability are not merely aspirations but realities, where economic growth is not just a goal but a tangible outcome, and where the dreams of our people are transformed into a shared national destiny,” the SGF said.
Akume added, “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.
“To achieve this goal, we must enjoy peace and stability because it is the cornerstone upon which we build trust, cooperation, and shared purpose. When peace reigns, policies yield results, businesses thrive, investments flourish, and creativity is unleashed.
“This administration, at its 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 upgrading 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 safe and secure environments.
“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 14 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.”
