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An emergency meeting has been set by the Federal Government for Wednesday morning in reaction to a planned nationwide protest scheduled for August 1.
President Bola Tinubu has urged the organizers to postpone the protests and allow his administration more time to implement programs for the people’s benefit.
A circular shared with NewsNow on Tuesday by sources familiar with the meeting stated that all ministers, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, as well as the Special Advisers to the President including Hadiza Bala-Usman, Bayo Onanuga, and Sunday Dare, were among those invited for the meeting.
The circular, signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Cabinet Affairs Office, Richard Pheelangwah, dated July 23, 2024, was titled, ‘Planned Nationwide Protest.’
It read, “I am directed to invite you to attend a meeting with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation on the above subject slated as follows: July 24, 2024, Time: 10 am prompt, Venue: Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation Conference Room.
“Attendance is mandatory. Please, accept the warm regards of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.”
The scheduled meeting comes amidst calls for nationwide protests starting August 1 due to the increasing cost of living and economic challenges in the country, attributed to the removal of the fuel subsidy, the floating of the naira, and other economic reforms under the Tinubu administration.
The planned demonstration, inspired by recent protests in Kenya, is gaining traction on social media with hashtags like ‘EndBadGovernance,’ ‘TinubuMustGo,’ and ‘#Revolution2024.’
However, the Presidency and police authorities have urged the youth to abandon the plan, considering it ill-advised.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, conveyed the President’s plea to Nigerians during an interview with State House correspondents after meeting Tinubu.
He mentioned the swift passage of the National Minimum Wage Bill by the National Assembly and the recent distribution of grains to state governments as evidence of the President’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerians.
Tinubu’s Appeal
Idris further said, “Mr President has asked me to inform Nigerians again that he is attentive to their concerns, especially the young protesters.
“For example, the government swiftly provided grains and rice to state governments as requested.
“As I mentioned earlier, this is just the beginning; the government will continue in this direction to support and ensure that all interventions benefit the intended recipients.”
The minister also highlighted President Tinubu’s enthusiasm for the recently launched Student Loan Board to facilitate access to tertiary education for eligible students.
“The era where students miss out on higher education due to financial constraints is over. The government is keen on making this happen. The provision made to NELFUND (Nigerian Education Loan Fund) is already exceeding current demands and will be increased further,” he added.
Additionally, the Federal Government disclosed plans to support unemployed young graduates post-NYSC as part of its inclusive development agenda.
The government is designing a scheme to support graduates from universities and polytechnics who are jobless after their National Youth Service until they secure employment.
“The President is dedicated to ensuring no one is left behind in Nigeria’s progress,” assured Idris.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, emphasized the consequences of violent protests during a meeting with police commissioners in Abuja, citing the negative impact of #EndSARS protests in 2020 on lives and properties.
Egbetokun stated, “There are concerns about potential violent protests orchestrated by self-proclaimed activists, inspired by recent events in Kenya, which we must address to prevent chaos and maintain national security.