In a stern warning, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has cautioned individuals intending to organize protests across the nation that although they have the right to demonstrate, they do not possess the authority to disrupt the stability of Nigeria.
Akpabio also alleged that politicians who were unsuccessful in the recent general elections are masterminding the protests as a means to seize control of the government through covert means.
These remarks were made by the Senate President during the ceremonial signing of the updated Minimum Wage bill by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa on Monday.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the Nigerian labor force and the revisions to the National Minimum Wage, Akpabio remarked, “It is a momentous occasion for the workers in our country. Not only are we increasing the minimum wage, but we are going beyond that. Initially set at N30,000, it has now been raised to N70,000.”
He further added, “I wish to take this opportunity to remind those intent on inciting unrest that while protesting is your constitutional right, it does not grant you the freedom to sow chaos. The right to peaceful protest should never escalate into a license to perpetrate violence. It is evident that those instigating these actions remain elusive and undefined.”
Akpabio concluded, “Hence, it is apparent that these individuals are plotting looting sprees and disruptive activities. We must recognize that the current state of affairs is not solely the consequence of one year’s administration.”