Breaking: FG calls emergency meeting over planned nationwide protest

The Federal Government has arranged an urgent meeting scheduled for Wednesday morning in response to a nationwide protest planned for August 1.

President Bola Tinubu had urged the organizers to postpone the protests, asking for more time to implement programs that benefit the people.

A memo obtained by The PUNCH on Tuesday indicated that the meeting, titled ‘Planned Nationwide Protest,’ would include all ministers, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, and Special Advisers to the President including Hadiza Bala-Usman, Bayo Onanuga, and Sunday Dare.

The circular, signed by Richard Pheelangwah from the Cabinet Affairs Office, dated July 23, 2024, set the meeting for July 24, 2024, at 10 am at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation Conference Room.

The protest plan stems from concerns over the high cost of living and economic difficulties, attributed to policies like the removal of fuel subsidies and currency reforms under the Tinubu administration.

Similar to recent protests in Kenya, the movement has gained momentum on social media with hashtags such as ‘EndBadGovernance,’ ‘TinubuMustGo,’ and ‘#Revolution2024.’

Despite calls from the Presidency and police to halt the protests, describing them as unwise, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, relayed President Tinubu’s plea to Nigerians on Tuesday.

Idris emphasized, “President Tinubu does not see a need for these protests. He has asked organizers to delay their plans and wait for the government’s response to their concerns.”

He assured that the President takes the grievances seriously and is dedicated to improving Nigeria’s future, pointing to recent actions like the passage of the National Minimum Wage Bill and distribution of grains to states as evidence of this commitment.