The Federal government has again appealed Nigerians not to go on with the nationwide protest scheduled to hold from Thursday, August 1.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, made the call at a news conference in Abuja, attended by key Federal government functionaries.
Akume who noted that Nigeria is work in progress assured Nigerians that the on-going economic hardships would abate very soon for everyone to 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 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.
ALSO READ:Tinubu mourns Owa of Idanre
“Our appeal is that Nigerians should please pursue the path of peace, dialogue and collaboration in addressing the challenges that collectively confront us,” he stated.
He said that protest was not the solution to the challenges, which the administration is working tirelessly to solve.
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 stated.
The SGF highlighted key efforts of the government to mitigate the economic hardships being faced by Nigerians including the President, working with the Governors released the sum of N5 billion to each State to cushion the impact of subsidy removal in an inclusive manner that prioritised the poor, vulnerable and the elderly.
He added that the President approved a Wage Award of 35,000 for a period of six months to cushion the effect on workers. This award was higher than the minimum wage.
“Mr. President has just signed into law a new National Minimum Wage Act which prescribed N70,000:00. This represents more than 100% increase from the last minimum wage (30,000) and takes retroactive effect from April.
Currently, as we speak, States, through their Governors, are receiving twenty trailer loads of assorted grains per state, approved by the President for distribution to citizens. This is intended to cushion the high cost of foodstuff.
“Government has removed tariffs on imported food items to bring down the prices of food stuff.
“Farm inputs including fertilisers, are also being made available to farmers at highly subsidised rates to boost food production and reduce cost. Mr President has also approved the release of sixty four trailer loads of fertilizers to each state to boost agricultural production,” he stated.
