Nigerian government talks on how to handle planned protests amid fears of hardship

The Federal Government has responded to growing concerns over national hardship and calls for nationwide protests against President Bola Tinubu’s administration, vowing to treat the situation as a “family matter.”

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, conveyed the government’s position after a meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) George Akume. He stressed the government’s commitment to resolving the issue in a manner that ensures national peace and stability.

“We gathered to discuss. You see this is not happening in a courtroom, this is happening in the SGF office and many ministers are present here,” Idris said.

“No one will sleep. Those who are protesting and asking for protests are Nigerian citizens, they are our brothers, they are our sisters, they are all Nigerian citizens and those in positions of authority – the ministers, the President, all of them, we are all Nigerian citizens.”

When asked about engagement with protest organisers, Idris affirmed ongoing dialogue with stakeholders, underscoring the government’s commitment to engaging in the interests of Nigeria’s well-being.

Regarding statements by prominent figures such as Senior Advocate of Nigeria Femi Falana that the protests should continue, Idris noted, “He (Falana) is an individual. This is a democracy, everyone is entitled to their opinion.”

Read also: Falana urges government to dialogue rather than threaten protest organizers

Idris reiterated President Tinubu’s call for calm and patience, urging Nigerians to give the government more time to address their problems. He concluded by emphasizing the government’s commitment to constructive dialogue and peaceful resolution of grievances.

Chief ministers present at the meeting included Nyesom Wike (FCT), Yusuf Tuggar (Foreign Affairs), and Bello Matawalle (Defense).

Nigerian government talks on how to handle planned protests amid fears of hardship first appeared on Latest Nigeria News | Headlines from Ripples Nigeria.