Yemi Obafemi
As the planned nationalwide protest against hunger approach, the Federal government has said it is open to dialogue in addressing protesters demands.
Speaking at a world press conference in Abuja, The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, said the planned protest are vulnerable to being highjacked by bandits, insurgents and other criminals. Therefore, Nigeria should avoid actions that are capable of disturbing the peace of the country.
Akume 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.
“The administration similarly inherited a security situation that had existed for two decades and required greater attention in terms of upgrade of security architecture, infrastructure, systems, capability and capacity of personnel. This has compelled 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 farm lands in safe and secure environment.
“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 immediate, medium and long term prosperity of Nigerians, in an inclusive manner.
Akume also recounted Tinubu achievement since he was inaugurated as the president of federation.
He said: “We therefore appeal to Nigerians of whatever persuation, belief, demography, gender and status to shun calls for protest against hunger by prioritising paece 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 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 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.”
