Traditional rulers in Nigeria have appealed for calm and patience amidst plans for a nationwide protest against economic hardship, scheduled to take place August 1, 2024.
The rulers, who met with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday, urged citizens to give the government a chance to address their concerns.
The Dein of Agbor, HRM Benjamin Keagborekuzi, acknowledged the pain and frustration of the youth, but cautioned against destroying the country.
He said,”We feel your pain… But if you give us the chance, let us not destroy our own country.”
The Emir of Zazzau, Ahmed Bamalli, also called for patience and calm, saying, “We are worried about the planned protest, but we call on our people to exercise patience and listen to the words of wisdom.”
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeye Enitan Ogunwusi, emphasized the need for caution to prevent the protest from being hijacked. “We traditional rulers are not against people, especially the youth, coming out to protest, but we are against looting and breaking down law and order,” he said.
The meeting between the traditional rulers and President Tinubu is part of a last-minute effort to avert the planned protest. The government has faced criticism over its policies, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira, which have led to increase in the cost of living.
Security agencies have warned against the protest, fearing it may be consumed by criminal elements and turn violent. Several groups have pulled out of the demonstration, but others argue that it is the citizens’ right to protest whenever they perceive ill-treatment by the government.
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