The monarch of Benin Kingdom, Oba Ewuare II, has appealed to angry Nigerians preparing to stage a nationwide protest to give the Federal Government more time.
The plea was contained in a statement on Wednesday issued by the Oba’s Chief Press Secretary, Osaigbovo Iguobaro.
As a way to dousing the growing tension in the country, the Oba asked the Federal Government to speed up efforts in implementing its economic policies. He noted that these would help to ease the current hardship faced by Nigerians.
The statement read, “Arising from the emergency meeting of the National Executive Committee of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) held in Abuja on Monday, July 22, the Omo N’Oba wishes to appeal to the general public to give the Federal Government sufficient time to implement its economic policies aimed at alleviating the present hardship experienced by Nigerians.”
“The Omo N’Oba appeals to those planning the August 1st nationwide protest to shelve the plan. Omo N’Oba also urges the Federal Government to intensify efforts in the implementation of its economic and security policies.”
Recall that there has been growing tension across the country as unknown groups claim they are planning a nationwide protest against economic hardship.
The claim has since gained currency on social media, that the Government and citizens are apprehensive of the protest.
According to unconfirmed reports on the social media, the protest is scheduled to begin on August 1 through 10. And it would be held across all 36 States, as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. The organizers of the purported protest have been faceless.
Recall that Nigerians are facing economic difficulties occasioned by the twin policies of the President Tinubu administration. Prices of food and basic commodities have gone beyond the reach of the most Nigerians. This is even as the country is facing the worst inflationary trend in the history of the nation.
Many have placed the blame for the economic crisis on the government’s twin policies. The petrol subsidy removal and unification of forex windows.
To forestall the repeat of the 2020 EndSARS scenario, the Federal Government, through the National Orientation Agency (NOA), and the Nigeria Police Force as well as the House of Representatives have warned against the planned demonstration.
The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has asked President Tinubu to address the demands of the displeased persons.
However, the presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga on Saturday warned of the danger inherit in the planned protest.
He noted that the planned protest, if staged, could degenerate into the destruction of assets that trailed the EndSARS saga.
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