The Federal Government after an emergency meeting on Wednesday in Abuja have said it is open to dialoguing with the organisers of the August 1st nationwide protest.
Also present in the meeting were all Federal Ministers who were directed to visit their respective states between Wednesday (July 24) and Thursday August 1.
Some selected ministers are also to meet with state governors at the 143rd session of the National Economic Council at the Council Chamber of the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, today. This forms part of the action points from the emergency meeting between the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and all ministers in Abuja on Wednesday morning.
The meeting convened to discuss the ‘planned nationwide protest’ occurs amid calls for a nationwide protest scheduled to hold from 1st August to 10th August. The protest tagged ‘EndBadGovernance’ on social media is reportedly to speak up against hunger, hardship and diminishing economic situations in the country.
Scheduled to hold across all 36 states and the federal capital territory, the protest has gained traction on social media however its organisers have remained largely anonymous, as no group has taken responsibility for the organisation.
The economic policies of the current president including the floating of the naira and removal of fuel subsidy ultimately affected the country, causing an inflated economy with food prices skyrocketing and businesses failing.
The #EndBadGovernance protest for August 1st comes soon after the Kenyan protest where youths staged massive protests for weeks, forcing President William Ruto to reverse the intended tax hikes. Experts believe Nigerians may have drawn inspiration from it, even though netizens have promised a ‘peaceful protest’.
Cultural associations like the Arewa Consultative forum and the Ohaneze Ndigbo have publicly removed themselves and their members from the protest.
Governors such as Hope Uzodinma, the governor of Imo state, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; Bauchi State Government through its secretary, Ibrahim Kashim have all advised its state members not to participate in the protest. While some cited the destruction caused by the End Sars Protest, others said it simply would not be allowed to hold.
Nigerian Labour congress have openly come out to express their nonparticipation in the protest, citing it as not their making.
While the Inspector general of police and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC) have stated their readiness to ensure no breakdown of law and order because of protests.
The Federal Government through its Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, have stated that though it will enforce citizens right to protest, it is pleading with citizens to shun violence as the government is currently making policies and plans to ensure citizens welfare during this hard time such as allocation of stipends to unemployed graduates pending when they secure jobs.
It has become clear that the policies of this government may not sit favourably with the citizens. The recent decision to share bags of rice instead of engaging in activities that would lower fuel price and boost economies is only fuelling the hunger induced anger of Nigerians.
