Governor Abiodun criticizes protests, stresses government efforts

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has warned Nigerian youths against participating in protests which he said were counterproductive and often hijacked by politicians with hidden agendas.

Speaking at the 22nd undergraduate and 13th postgraduate graduation ceremony of Babcock University in Ilishan, Ikenne Local Government Area, Governor Abiodun expressed concern that previous protests in the state had not yielded constructive results but had instead caused disruption in productivity and resulted in loss of lives and property.

“I use this opportunity to appeal to our youths to engage constructively with the government in finding lasting solutions to Nigeria’s problems, rather than engaging in protests that may start off peacefully but are later hijacked and may culminate in anarchy,” Governor Abiodun said.

He defended his government’s decisions, such as removing subsidies and floating the Naira exchange rate, as necessary steps to address Nigeria’s economic challenges amid global inflation.

“This government has only been in office for a year. Cutting off heads is not the solution to headaches,” he said. “Inflation is happening all over the world. Our president, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has few options when he comes to office. He must take control; he must remove subsidies. He must defend the Naira. Otherwise, things will get worse, believe me.”

Acknowledging the widespread economic hardship including inflation, Governor Abiodun highlighted various interventions his administration has implemented to mitigate the impact on citizens, such as minimum wage adjustment, empowerment initiatives and subsidies for essential goods.

“Ladies and gentlemen, this government has initiated many interventions to mitigate the impact of inflation. Recently, we heard the announcement of the minimum wage. We have gained a lot of empowerment. Student loans are being prepared. Agricultural inputs and fertilizers are being given to our farmers. They have provided food as assistance and at subsidized prices, among others,” he explained.

He warned against letting the protests disrupt the country’s stability, and stressed that the current wave of inflation is affecting countries around the world.

Read also: August 1 protests: Nigerian youth must demand an end to bad governance —Group

“Which investor will be attracted to a country besieged by protesters? Please, do not allow yourselves to be taken advantage of by this so-called leaderless movement, sponsored by frustrated politicians who have tried and failed. We do not need protests. We must not risk anarchy. Please, let us have a dialogue,” Governor Abiodun urged.

In his address to the graduates, the student body president emphasized the importance of accountability among elected officials and urged fellow graduates to become actively involved in nation-building.

“I want to charge you, the only way we can fix this country again is by being our brother’s keeper. There is no point in you making wealth and keeping it abroad when your fellow Nigerians are suffering,” he said passionately.

He called on Nigerians to hold their governors and local leaders accountable. “We must ask the governors, the speaker of the house and ask questions. We elected them, they are accountable to us and do not keep quiet, be true Nigerians.”

“When choosing someone to serve you, remember, that person is not your leader, but your servant. In order to make this country great, I implore you, touch lives,” he concluded.

 

Governor Abiodun slams protests, stresses govt efforts first appeared on Latest Nigeria News | Headlines from Ripples Nigeria.