In a bid to stave off the impending nationwide #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests scheduled for August 1, President Bola Tinubu has called for an emergency meeting to be held on Wednesday morning. This urgent assembly, aimed at addressing the growing unrest, underscores the gravity of the situation faced by the Tinubu administration.
The decision to convene this high-stakes meeting follows the President’s recent plea to protest organizers, urging them to postpone the demonstrations to allow his government more time to roll out its people-oriented programs.
A circular released on Tuesday, signed by Richard Pheelangwah, the Permanent Secretary of the Cabinet Affairs Office, called for the presence of all ministers and key government officials. The invitees include the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and Special Advisers to the President on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Bala-Usman; Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga; and former Minister of Youth and Sports, Sunday Dare.
The circular, dated July 23, 2024, and titled “Planned Nationwide Protest,” 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.”
Following a meeting with President Tinubu, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, conveyed the administration’s stance to State House correspondents. He emphasized the President’s belief that the protests were unnecessary, appealing to the youth to await the government’s response to their concerns.
“On the issue of the planned protest, Mr. President does not see any need for that. He asked them to shelve that plan and await the government’s response to all their pleas. So, there is no need for a strike. The young people out there should listen to the President and allow the President more time to see to the realization of all the goodies he has for them,” Idris stated.
The President has underscored his commitment to addressing the protesters’ grievances and ensuring a better future for Nigeria. As evidence of his dedication, Idris highlighted the swift passage of the National Minimum Wage Bill and the recent approval and distribution of grains to state governments.
“We also discussed the issue of the country generally, and Mr. President has asked me to again inform Nigerians that he listens to them, especially the young people that are trying to protest. For example, you saw that the Federal Government approved grains and rice for state governments, which were delivered expeditiously. The government is going to continue in that direction, ensuring that whatever interventions the Federal Government has put in place go to those who should benefit, not middlemen.”
President Tinubu’s administration is also focusing on educational reforms and youth employment. Idris mentioned the establishment of the Student Loan Board, aimed at ensuring that all eligible students have access to higher education, and a scheme to support young graduates yet to secure employment post-NYSC.
“There is also the intervention the President is working out for those young men and women who have finished school but are yet to get employed, post-NYSC. The government is perfecting a scheme to support these graduates until they secure jobs. The whole idea is that no one is left behind; it’s an all-inclusive government, and the President is determined to ensure that no one is left behind in his attempt to march Nigeria towards progress,” Idris concluded.
This emergency meeting reflects the administration’s acute awareness of the urgent need to address the populace’s growing discontent and its commitment to implementing tangible, impactful changes.
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