The Federal Government has scheduled an emergency meeting for Wednesday morning in response to a planned nationwide protest set for August 1.
President Bola Tinubu has appealed to the organizers to postpone the protests and give his administration more time to address the issues raised.
A circular obtained by The PUNCH on Tuesday detailed that all ministers, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and Special Advisers Hadiza Bala-Usman, Bayo Onanuga, and Sunday Dare have been invited to the meeting.
The circular, signed by Permanent Secretary of the Cabinet Affairs Office Richard Pheelangwah, stated: “I am directed to invite you to attend a meeting with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation on the above subject slated as follows: July 24, 2024, Time: 10 am prompt, Venue: Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation Conference Room.”
The meeting comes as a response to growing calls for nationwide protests over the rising cost of living and economic difficulties attributed to the removal of fuel subsidies and other reforms by the Tinubu administration.
The planned protest, inspired by recent demonstrations in Kenya, has gained attention on social media under hashtags like ‘EndBadGovernance,’ ‘TinubuMustGo,’ and ‘#Revolution2024.’
In response, the Presidency and police have urged against the protest. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said in an interview: “Mr. President does not see any need for that. He asked them to shelve that plan and await the government’s response to all their pleas. There is no need for a strike.”
Idris emphasized that the President is committed to improving Nigerians’ welfare, citing recent government actions like the National Minimum Wage Bill and the distribution of grains.
“We are looking at strategies to ensure that interventions directly benefit those in need, without middlemen,” Idris added. He also highlighted the new Student Loan Board and support for young graduates as part of the government’s efforts.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, warned against the planned protests, reflecting on past violent demonstrations. “The last #EndSARS protest led to the destruction of public assets and loss of lives. We are yet to fully recover from these consequences,” he said.
Egbetokun continued, “Our position is that the proposed violent protests are ill-advised and should be avoided. We will not allow any group to cause terror or destroy national infrastructure.”
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the calls for protest as “treasonable” and accused Peter Obi and his supporters of inciting unrest. “Wanting to end an elected government is high treason,” Onanuga said.
The Labour Party denied the accusation, with National Publicity Secretary Obiora Ifoh stating: “We are not supporting violent protests. Peaceful demonstrations are a part of democracy. If violence is introduced, it should not be supported by anyone.”
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) supported the right to peaceful protest. Atiku noted, “The rights of citizens to protest are enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.”
PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, urged President Tinubu to address governance issues to prevent protests. “If there was good governance, nobody would protest,” Osadolor said.
Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike criticized the planned protest as “political gimmicks” and urged patience with the current administration.
