By Abiola Olawale
Hours before the commencement of a nationwide protest slated for August 1, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) George Akume has again pleaded with Nigerians to drop all plans for demonstration.
The SGF said the policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are already yielding good results, assuring that better days are ahead and Nigerians will soon breathe a sigh of relief.
Akume who addressed a press conference in Abuja alongside the minister of information and national orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, the coordinating minister of the economy and minister of finance, Wale Edun, the minister of budget and national planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu and the minister of solid minerals, Dele Alake, said the administration of Tinubu is listening to the daily yearnings of the citizens.
He added that Tinubu has recognised all the challenges facing Nigerians and has put in place policies that would tackle those challenges.
However, he argued that the government needs time to prove that its policies are effective.
He also expressed worry that the protests might be hijacked by bandits, insurgents, and other criminals.
He urged the citizens to go about their legitimate businesses and avoid actions capable of disturbing the peace of the country.
He said: “Ladies and gentlemen, it is in the light of this aforementioned situation 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.”
