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As the clock ticks down to the planned nationwide protests, set to unfold from August 1-10, the Federal Government has made a bold overture, expressing its openness to negotiations with the masterminds behind the demonstrations, in a bid to address their grievances.
In a hastily convened emergency meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, the Federal Government took decisive action, instructing all federal ministers to embark on a whirlwind tour of their home states between July 24 and August 1, a move aimed at quelling tensions ahead of the planned nationwide protests.
In a further bid to address the looming protests, a select group of ministers will converge with state governors at the 143rd session of the National Economic Council, scheduled for today at the Council Chamber of the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja, to forge a united front and strategize on mitigating the impending demonstrations.
At an emergency meeting called by Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume in Abuja on Wednesday morning, ministers were tasked with taking immediate action to address the grievances driving the protests, as part of a broader strategy to maintain peace and stability.
A circular released to the press on Tuesday evening revealed that a high-level meeting had been convened to address the looming nationwide protests, with a select group of presidential aides and experts invited to attend, including Special Advisers Hadiza Bala-Usman and Bayo Onanuga, as well as former Minister Sunday Dare.
The circular read, “I am directed to invite you to attend a meeting with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation on the above subject slated as follows:
“July 24, 2024, Time: 10 am Prompt, Venue: Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation Conference Room. Attendance is mandatory. Please accept the warm regards of the Secretary to The Government of the Federation.”
The meeting came amid calls for nationwide protests from August 1-10 against the rising cost of living and the harsh conditions as Africa’s most populous country faces what has been described as its worst economic headwinds in a generation.
The protest tagged ‘EndBadGovernance’ has gained traction on social media and has been scheduled to hold across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. However, its organisers have remained largely anonymous as no group has come forward to take responsibility.
Since taking office, President Tinubu has implemented sweeping reforms aimed at reshaping Nigeria’s economic landscape, notably the elimination of petrol subsidies to redirect resources towards infrastructure growth, and the harmonization of foreign exchange rates to prevent currency speculation.
Read also: Poverty, Hunger, Unemployment Rising In Ebonyi, Odii Laments
The economic reforms introduced by President Tinubu have had a devastating ripple effect, leading to a collapse in the Naira’s value and a sharp escalation in food prices, as farmers in many communities are forced to abandon their lands due to pervasive insecurity, disrupting food production and further inflating prices.
Despite being barred from the SGF Conference Room, where Wednesday’s crucial meeting took place, sources close to the discussions revealed to our correspondent that a forthcoming nationwide address by President Bola Tinubu was a key item on the agenda, hinting at a major announcement in the offing.
The source said, “All ministers were present. They suggested that there should be a national address. It was suggested that the President himself should do it. But the suggestion will have to reach the President first.
“They also asked ministers to put together three key achievements they have made in the past year. They will compile these achievements and present them to Nigerians.
“In fact, tomorrow (today), the Minister of Finance will be briefing the media on the state of the economy. But those achievements will be compiled for a separate presentation.”
Our source added, “The government stands for dialogue. They will get the leaders (of the protest) to meet with the government for discussions.
“All the ministers will also go back to their states to engage their people so they won’t be misled into joining the protests. That is between now and the protest date.
“Some have been engaging their people before. But this time, everyone has been asked to go back there.”
Another insider, speaking on condition of anonymity, disclosed to newsmen that ministers responsible for Finance, Budget, and Economic Planning, who are also members of the National Economic Council, will attend its 143rd meeting on Thursday to persuade state governors to initiate talks with their constituents.
