Akume: Tinubu not against hunger protest — we’re worried about a hijack

George Akume, secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), says President Bola Tinubu is not against the planned nationwide protest billed to commence on August 1.

Akume spoke on Wednesday during a ministerial press briefing in Abuja, the nation’s capital city.

The protest, with the theme ‘#EndBadGovernanceInNigeria’, has also been tagged ’10 days of rage’.

The federal government and President Bola Tinubu have repeatedly asked youths to shelve the protest.

Akume said the federal government is appealing to Nigerians to “prioritise peace and progress”.

He added that the Tinubu-led administration inherited a “security situation that had existed for two decades” with “an economy in need of urgent, bold and imaginative reforms”.

Akume said Tinubu sought the mandate of Nigerians “because he knew that effective leadership was required to address the challenges”.

The SGF said in 14 months, the administration has “recorded tremendous accomplishments that laid the foundation for immediate, medium and long term prosperity of Nigerians”.

“We therefore appeal to Nigerians of whatever persuasion, belief, demography, gender and status to shun calls for protest against hunger by prioritising peace and progress,” the SGF said.

“For the avoidance of doubts, the government of President Tinubu recognises the right to peaceful protest but circumspection and vigilance should be our watch words.

“Government is wary of the dangers associated with protests that are vulnerable to being hijacked by bandits, insurgents and other criminals. Rather, we request that dialogue should be advanced and we remain open to such.

“Our appeal is that Nigerians should please pursue the path of peace, dialogue and collaboration in addressing the challenges that collectively confront us.

“Please go about your legitimate businesses and avoid actions and/or association that are capable of disturbing the peace of the country.

“Let me reassure you that together, we shall create a Nigeria where peace and stability are not merely aspirations but realities, where economic growth is not just a goal but a tangible outcome, and where the dreams of our people are transformed into a shared national destiny.”