The federal government has scheduled an emergency meeting for Wednesday morning to address a planned nationwide protest on August 1.
President Bola Tinubu has urged protesters to shelve their plans, pleading for more time to execute people-oriented programs.
The meeting, attended by ministers and presidential advisers, aims to address grievances over the rising cost of living, economic hardship, and recent economic reforms.
The protest, inspired by recent Kenya demonstrations, has gained traction on social media under hashtags like #EndBadGovernance and #TinubuMustGo.
Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President, has backed citizens’ right to peaceful assembly, citing Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution.
It is deeply ironic that those who now seek to stifle these rights were themselves leading protests in 2012, Atiku said.
The statement further called on the government to fulfil its responsibilities in safeguarding the citizens’ rights.
However, the government has warned against the protest, describing it as “ill-advised”. The Presidency and police authorities have called on youths to abandon the plan, promising to address their concerns.
FG Holds Emergency Meeting Over Planned Protest
