Efforts are intensifying to avert a planned 10-day nationwide protest against economic hardships and perceived poor governance under President Bola Tinubu, who took office on May 29, 2023.
The protest, announced by anonymous youth groups weeks ago, targets the worsening economic conditions in the country.
Despite concerns that the protest could turn violent, as seen in previous demonstrations, many prominent figures and institutions have called for restraint.
They urge giving the president more time to address the issues. Among the measures taken to ease tensions, President Tinubu has approved the creation of a youth secretariat for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), announced by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike during a town hall meeting.
The youth secretariat, equivalent to a state ministry, aims to address youth grievances in the FCT. Additionally, the government plans to improve security by establishing new police stations in each of the six area councils.
However, security measures have heightened in Abuja, with soldiers patrolling major roads to prevent potential unrest.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has called for an emergency plenary session to discuss the protests, while other senior lawmakers and government officials have appealed for the protests to be shelved.
The Organised Private Sector of Nigeria and several civil society organizations have urged dialogue over confrontation, highlighting the importance of peaceful protest as a democratic right.
Traditional leaders, such as the Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom in Delta State, have also appealed to the youth to reconsider the protest to prevent further instability.
As tensions rise, various stakeholders continue to engage in dialogue to find a peaceful resolution, emphasizing the need for patience and constructive engagement to navigate the nation's economic challenges.
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