Let’s solve our problems, not to protest – VP Shettima

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has urged Nigerians to focus on constructive solutions to the country’s challenges rather than preparing for protests.

Speaking on Friday at the unveiling of the Grand Challenges Nigeria (GCNg) Project, a global health initiative to tackle malnutrition and food insecurity in Nigeria, Shettima emphasized the importance of constructive action over protests. The project, in collaboration with the Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN), was launched during a high-level meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Shettima acknowledged Nigerians’ economic hardships due to recent reforms, including removing fuel subsidies, but stressed that protests might lead to instability. He said: “This is the time for us to solve our problems, not to protest. The right to protest is guaranteed in most democracies, but initiating agitation without knowing where it will end can lead to anarchy.”

He remarked, “We appreciate what Nigerians are going through, and our heart goes to them. The oil subsidy has been a burden for 50 years. We believe the harvests will positively impact the common man once the harvest starts coming.”

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The Vice President urged diplomacy, engagement, and patience, likening the current situation to a painful but ultimately rewarding childbirth process. He highlighted the government’s commitment to the Nutrition 774 Initiative, which aims to drive positive community changes.

Prof. Hafiz Abubakar, leader of the NSN delegation, called on Shettima to lead the government’s component of the GCNg Project and seek ministerial support. He noted that the project is funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and emphasized the need for government ownership and partnership in the initiative.

Senior Programmes Manager for Grand Challenges Nigeria, Godwin Bamsa, provided context on the initiative’s global impact, revealing that the Gates Foundation has invested over $1.6 billion in health and innovation projects across 118 countries since 2003.

Let’s solve our problems, not to protest – VP Shettima

Tompolo stands with FG, says Tinubu working hard to address hardship

The Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo), has appealed to those behind the planned August 1st to 10th, 2024 nationwide protest to do the idea in the interest of the country

The Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo), has appealed to those behind the planned August 1st to 10th, 2024 nationwide protest to do the idea in the interest of the country

Tompolo’s appeal which was contained in a statement he signed on Friday follows similar concerns expressed by the National Security Adviser, governors, top traditional rulers and others in the days leading to the protest.

He urged Nigerians to show more patience to the President noting that the economic hardship affecting the country did not start with the Tinubu administration.

He stressed that Tinubu was working hard to revamp the economy with well-thought-out policies and programmes.

He pointed out the holistic measures being put in place to address the nation’s economic and security challenges which are linked to some of the challenges in the country.

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The Tantita Boss also stressed that the timing of the planned protest is inimical to the interest of the nation as security reports have indicated strongly that the protests might by
hijacked by people with other intentions.

He said that; “I am aware of Mr President’s efforts to get things right in the country, and truly things are getting better. For instance, there is a great improvement in the oil and gas sector in the last one year, which is still the mainstay of our economy.

( “I am aware of the right of the citizenry to protest government policies and programmes in any country. It is one sure way for the citizens to participate effectively in governance, by checking the excesses of any government.

“However, the organizers of this planned protest against hardship must know that the timing is wrong, and the protest may cause more harm and good, as security reports have indicated that the protest will be hijacked by unscrupulous elements.

Protest: Police combat ready, deploy 4,200 operatives to FCT strategic places

The police say they are combat ready to crush any form of violence that may result from nationwide protests planned for next Thursday August 1 by some Nigerians against hardship and bad governance.

Indeed, starting with the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, the police said it had deployed armed operatives to strategic locations.

The FCT Minister Nyesom Wike had earlier warned the organisers of the protest that Abuja would not be available for any rally or demonstration on August 1.

But a statement by Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, in Abuja on Friday, said the FCT Command had deployed a total of 4,200 police officers to curb any form of violence that might arise from the protest.

The command was reacting in anticipation of the planned nationwide protest by some human rights activists and Nigerian youths, to publicly express their displeasure over hunger and hardship.

The planned protest has since generated massive traction on social media, especially on X.

According to Adeh, the command has proactively deployed material and human resources across the nooks and crannies of the nation’s capital.

The deployment, he said, was aimed at ensuring public safety, protecting protesters, and preventing protests from being hijacked by non-state actors.

The police command said the action was part of visibility policing, involving deployment of explosive ordinance devices (EOD) experts, and personnel at various strategic locations, raids on identified black spots, uncompleted buildings/shanties, stop and search, vehicular and foot patrol, and synergy with sister security agencies.

The Commissioner of Police FCT, Benneth Igweh, while acknowledging the right of residents to protest, advised that it should be peaceful.

He wrote, “The CP vows to resist all forms of violent protest and lawlessness, as the police will not be stampeded into allowing the destruction of public and private properties or loss of lives.

Residents are also advised to be vigilant and take advantage of the police emergency lines, to report suspicious activities through 08032003913, 08028940883, 08061581938, 07057337653 PCB: 09022222352, and CRU: 08107314192.