Don’t let bandits, insurgents hijack August 1 protest – SGF Akume tells Nigerians

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, George Akume has urged Nigerians not to allow bandits, criminals, and insurgents to hijack the planned August 1 hardship protest.
Akume made the call on Wednesday at a press briefing in Abuja, hours ahead of the planned protest.
According to him, the ongoing economic hardship experienced by Nigerians would be abated in due time as the government’s reforms begin to yield positive results.
He reiterated that President Bola Tinubu is a democrat who recognizes the right of every citizen to peaceful protest.
Akume, however, noted that Nigerians should be vigilant.
“The ongoing economic hardships would abate very soon and we shall all enjoy endless prosperity.
“For the avoidance of doubts, the government of President Tinubu recognizes the right to peaceful protest but circumspection and vigilance should be our watchwords.
“Government is weary of the dangers associated with protests that are vulnerable to being highjacked by bandits, insurgents and other criminals. Rather, we request that dialogue should be advanced and we remain open to such,” he said.
On his part, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris emphasized economic reforms by the government to turn around the lives of every Nigerian.
He reeled out the achievements of the government in the past year, including the signing of the N70,000 Minimum wage, local government autonomy, a Student Loan scheme, the Nigerian Youths Investment Fund, and direct agricultural interventions.
The Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, and Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake beaconed on Nigerians to allow the bold economic reforms of Tinubu’s administration to birth prosperity in the coming years.
Don’t let bandits, insurgents hijack August 1 protest – SGF Akume tells Nigerians