The All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on parents to closely monitor their children to prevent them from being recruited into violence ahead of the planned nationwide protest scheduled for August 1-10.
This plea follows a stern warning from Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who stated that security operatives would not hesitate to make arrests if the protest turns violent.
In a statement following the APC’s 153rd National Working Committee (NWC) meeting, Senator Ajibola Basiru, the party’s National Secretary, urged citizens to have confidence in the Federal Government’s efforts to tackle the country’s economic challenges.
He emphasized that the government is actively working on programs and policies aimed at alleviating economic hardships.
“The NWC noted that some issues highlighted by the protestors are political, while others are constitutional matters that can only be addressed through ongoing amendments at the National Assembly,” Basiru said.
He reiterated that the APC supports President Bola Tinubu’s efforts and believes that the current challenges will eventually be resolved.
Basiru’s call for vigilance was underscored by the need to prevent children from being manipulated into violent actions.
“The meeting urged parents and well-meaning Nigerians to monitor the movement of their children/wards so that they will not be used in causing chaos in the country,” he added.
Additionally, Basiru announced that an emergency meeting of all APC Chairmen from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory is scheduled for Friday.
The meeting aims to address various national issues, including the planned protest, according to National Deputy Organising Secretary Nze Chidi Duru.
Duru confirmed the meeting but clarified that the protest is not the sole topic of discussion.
“Yes, the meeting is scheduled for Friday. That issue (protest), of course, and the State of the Nation,” Duru said in an exclusive phone call with our reporter.
The APC’s statement reflects ongoing tensions and mixed reactions from various groups and citizens concerning the protest, which has been organized in response to the rising cost of living and economic hardships in Nigeria.