Nigerian govt urges #EndBadGovernance protesters to embrace dialogue

The Federal Government has appealed to promoters of the #EndBadGovernance protesters to shelve the planned nationwide rallies scheduled for August 1.

The government also appealed to protesters to embrace dialogue and support efforts to address the country’s challenges.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, made the call at a press conference on Wednesday in Abuja.

He stressed that the government is working tirelessly to address the nation’s challenges.

The SGF pointed out that the government inherited an economy in need of urgent reforms and that policy measures, such as the removal of fuel subsidies have resulted in unexpected adjustments.

While recognizing the citizens’ right to peaceful protest, Akume expressed concerns about the potential for protests to be hijacked by criminals.

He urged Nigerians to prioritize peace, dialogue, and collaboration, assuring that the government remains open to dialogue.

READ ALSO: Senate urges Nigerians to shelve planned protest

He said: “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 inception in May 2023 inherited an economy in need of urgent , bold and imaginative reforms. Policy measures including 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.

“For the avoidance of doubts, the government of President Tinubu recognises the right to peaceful protest but circumspection and vigilance should be our watch words. 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 should be advanced and we remain open to such.

“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 association that are capable of disturbing the peace of th country. Remain vigilant as well.”

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now