Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi has expressed his belief that the proposed nationwide protest slated for August 1 is not the solution to Nigeria’s current challenges.
Speaking at a town hall meeting with 27 groups in Dutse, Namadi emphasized the need for alternative ways to address grievances.
Among the groups that participated in the meeting, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) disassociated themselves from the planned protest.
Acknowledging the economic hardship in the country, Namadi regretted the uncertainties it has caused but stated, “Protest is not the solution. There are many ways people could express their grievances; people are at liberty to display their grievances through protest under democratic dispensation, but that isn’t the most effective way to address the problems. The protest alone will not provide the solutions; people should turn to God, repent, seek forgiveness and divine intervention on the challenges.”
Namadi highlighted the government’s efforts to mitigate the hardships, including providing food items, materials, and cash distributions at all levels of government.
He also mentioned the Federal Government’s recent approval of duty-free importation of food items for five months.
Advising Nigerians to accept the hardships as a trial from God, Namadi noted, “Every Muslim believes in destiny whether good or bad.”
The Police Commissioner in Jigawa, Tijjani Abdullahi, warned those considering participating in the protest to rethink their actions, stating, “The security agencies in the state are combat-ready to deal with anyone who wants to breach public peace and order.”