APC advocacy group says protest will further wreck economy, offers advice

APC advocacy group says protest will further wreck economy, offers advice

The All Progressives Congress Advocacy and Appeasement Group (APC-AAG) has called on the Federal Government to urgently take more steps to stop promoters of a planned nationwide protest over hardship in the land from going ahead with the programme.

It also expressed concern about possible damaging effects and setback a mass protect would have on the nation’s economy.

The group in a statement on Tuesday signed by its National Secretary Muhammed Ismail asked Nigerians to be patient with the President Bola Tinubu-led administration to revive the economy.

The statement titled ‘Nigeria and the Impending National Protest: Our Position’ read in parts, “Nigeria’s economy like most other nations of the world – developed, developing and underdeveloped – is going through a patch at the moment. Several reasons are responsible, from COVID-19 pandemic, Russia/Ukraine war, Israel/Palestine war, to the global economic recession of recent past.

“Average Nigerians are barely surviving going by the current economic crunch exacerbated by the government’s subsidy removal amongst other policies.

“As Nigerians, we join other teaming citizens to call on the government of the day under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) to take immediate and drastic measures to address and ameliorate the telling economic woes of Nigeria and Nigerians. We are really feeling the heat.”

It noted that peaceful protests had become almost unrealistic in Nigeria, going by recent past events.

“Again, it must be noted that protest has largely not improved our situation, rather, it has doomed our chances of improvement and development.

“If our streets are not safe for protest as it has proved times and again with criminal elements highjacking it, our offices (round tables) are safe for talks (dialogue). This is tested and trusted.”

The group expressed confidence in the ability of President Tinubu to turn things around and urged all Nigerians to give him more time.

It stated, “The present APC administration under a proven democrat in the person of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), has shown to have what it takes to turn the economy around and return Nigeria to the path of economic stability and growth.

“From the economic recovery strives and administrative policies so far introduced, the future is promising and encouraging. All economic recovery indices point to this assertion.

“A little more time is needed, a little more time is requested. There is surely light at the end of the tunnel.”