ABUJA — President Bola Tinubu has appealed to aggrieved Nigerians, especially the youths planning a national protest over the high cost of living, to cancel the demonstration, assuring them that he is actively addressing their concerns.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, communicated the President’s appeal while speaking with State House correspondents after meeting with Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The President’s reassurance follows the escalating tension between the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayou Onanuga, and the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi. Obi’s legal team recently demanded N5 billion and an apology from Onanuga within 72 hours for accusing him and his supporters of high treason in allegedly masterminding the planned “EndBadGovernance” protest. Similarly, former presidential aspirant and LP chieftain, Professor Pat Utomi, challenged Onanuga to provide evidence of his involvement in the planned protest or face a N500 billion lawsuit.
Minister Idris stated that during his meeting with the President, they discussed various national issues. Tinubu emphasized his commitment to improving the country’s economy and his responsiveness to the grievances of the populace, particularly the youth.
Idris conveyed Tinubu’s words: “We discussed the state of the country in general, and Mr. President has asked me to again inform Nigerians that he listens to them, especially the young people planning to protest. Mr. President said he takes their concerns seriously and is working diligently to ensure that the country is prosperous not just for today but also for the future.”
Addressing the planned protest, Idris added, “Mr. President does not see any need for the protest. He has asked them to call off their plans and await the government’s response to all their grievances, as he is listening to them.”
