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In a voice of wisdom and experience, Oba Ewuare II, the venerable monarch of Benin, is encouraging Nigerians to slow down, postponing their action to allow the Federal Government a chance to recalibrate and respond to their calls for change.
By granting this temporary extension, the Oba believes that Nigerians can create space for a more nuanced discussion and, ultimately, a more satisfactory outcome.
Through his trusted Chief Press Secretary, Osaigbovo Iguobaro, the Oba of Benin released a statement on Wednesday, urging Nigerians to delay their protests and afford the Federal Government a brief window to respond to their demands and work towards a resolution.The Oba of Benin further emphasized the need for the Federal Government to rev up its economic machinery, fast-tracking the execution of policies designed to bring relief to Nigerians, who are struggling to make ends meet amidst the prevailing economic challenges.
“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,” he said.
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“The Omo N’Oba appeals to those planning the August 1st nationwide protest to shelve the plan. The Omo N’Oba also urges the Federal Government to intensify efforts in the implementation of its economic and security policies.”
A nationwide protest against the biting economic hardship, which has been gathering momentum on social media, is set to take place in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, next month. Notably, the masterminds behind the planned demonstration have chosen to remain anonymous, adding an air of mystery to the movement.
Nigerians are grappling with an unprecedented surge in food and commodity prices, as the country teeters on the brink of economic collapse. The perfect storm of soaring inflation and a crippling economic downturn, triggered by the government’s contentious decisions to scrap petrol subsidies and merge forex windows, has left citizens reeling.
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) and Senator Ali Ndume, who has been facing his own set of challenges, have joined forces to urge the President to heed the calls of the disillusioned citizens, primarily young Nigerians, who are voicing their discontent.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga cautioned on Saturday that the proposed protest, if carried out, risks spiraling into chaos and destruction, eerily reminiscent of the devastating aftermath of the EndSARS demonstrations against police brutality and extrajudicial killings in October 2020.
