Reported by Shoutouttvblog
President Bola Tinubu convened emergency meetings with All Progressives Congress state governors, notable traditional rulers, and Ulamas (Islamic scholars) at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja on Thursday. These discussions were aimed at preventing the planned hunger protests, set to take place nationwide from August 1 to 10, amid increasing economic hardships.
The protests, organized under the hashtag ‘EndBadGovernance,’ have gained significant traction on social media. Despite this, the organizers remain anonymous, with no group officially claiming responsibility.
Tinubu’s first meeting was with the APC governors, members of the Progressives Governors Forum, at the Presidential Villa at 1 pm. This meeting lasted approximately one hour and 15 minutes and followed a Nigeria Governors’ Forum meeting the previous night, and the last-minute cancellation of the National Economic Council meeting earlier that day.
Notable attendees included National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Finance Minister Wale Edun, Budget and Economic Planning Minister Abubakar Bagudu, and other key officials.
The President’s subsequent meeting with prominent traditional rulers began at 2:30 pm in the Council Chamber of the Villa, concluding at 4 pm. Among the attendees were the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and several governors including Abdulrazaq Abdulrahman of Kwara State and Hope Uzodinma of Imo State.
The day concluded with a meeting with the Ulamas, ending after 6 pm.
Monarchs Advocate Dialogue
After the meetings, traditional rulers urged the protest organizers to seek dialogue with the Federal Government, warning about potential hijacking of the protests by hoodlums.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, co-chair of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, emphasized the importance of constructive engagement and condemned any violent actions. He noted this was the first instance of direct engagement between the Federal Executive Council and traditional rulers, which he hailed as a positive development for bridging gaps between the government and the governed.
The Emir of Zazzau, Ahmed Bamalli, and the Dein of Agbor Kingdom, Ikenchukwu Keagborokuzi I, expressed concerns over the protests potentially destabilizing the country and urged Nigerian youths to collaborate with the government to find solutions.
The National Orientation Agency and various traditional leaders echoed these sentiments, calling for peaceful expressions of civic rights without resorting to violence.
Security Concerns:
The Nigerian Army and the Department of State Service (DSS) have raised alarms about plans to hijack the protests, urging organizers to choose dialogue over demonstrations. Major-General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, highlighted the potential for violence and chaos if the protests proceed as planned. The DSS also warned of political motives behind the protests and the risk of them being used to incite unrest.
President Tinubu, reaffirming his commitment to democratic principles, emphasized the right to peaceful protest but condemned any actions leading to the destruction of lives and property.
Calls for Presidential Address:
The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party, Shehu Gabam, called on President Tinubu to address the nation directly to clarify misconceptions and engage with citizens’ concerns, emphasizing the need for timely and direct communication from the President.
The SDP affirmed support for peaceful protests within constitutional limits but discouraged any acts of violence or anarchy.
By shoutouttvblog
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