The Federal Government has convened an urgent meeting scheduled for Wednesday morning in response to widespread preparations for a nationwide protest slated to commence on August 1. This decision follows President Bola Tinubu’s appeal to protest organizers, urging them to postpone their plans to allow more time for his administration to implement pro-people initiatives.
According to a circular obtained by The PUNCH from sources familiar with the matter, the meeting will be attended by all ministers, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, and Special Advisers including Hadiza Bala-Usman, Bayo Onanuga, and Sunday Dare. The circular, issued by Permanent Secretary Richard Pheelangwah of the Cabinet Affairs Office, emphasized the urgency of the situation under the title ‘Planned Nationwide Protest.’
“I am directed to invite you to attend a meeting with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation on the above subject,” the circular read, detailing the time and venue for the meeting.
The planned protest, inspired by recent events in Kenya, has gained momentum on social media platforms under hashtags such as ‘EndBadGovernance,’ ‘TinubuMustGo,’ and ‘#Revolution2024.’ Despite calls from the Presidency and police authorities to desist from the protest, citing potential for violence and disruption, preparations for the demonstration have continued.
Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris relayed President Tinubu’s message to the public, urging patience and assuring ongoing efforts to address the concerns raised by protesters. He highlighted recent governmental actions, including the approval of grains and rice for state governments and the establishment of the Student Loan Board, aimed at supporting education access for Nigerian youth.
The Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun also cautioned against the protest, citing the aftermath of the 2020 #EndSARS protests as a cautionary tale of the potential for violence and unrest. He emphasized the right to peaceful protest while urging restraint to prevent any escalation into chaos.
As tensions mount and preparations for the protest intensify, stakeholders await the outcomes of the emergency meeting, hoping for constructive dialogue and proactive measures to address national concerns effectively.
