EXTRA: Economic hardship a trial from God — Nigerians should seek forgiveness, says Jigawa governor

Umar Namadi, governor of Jigawa, says the planned nationwide protest is not the solution to the country’s economic hardship.

The governor implored Nigerians to seek divine intervention instead.

The protest is reportedly slated for August 1 to 15. 

Speaking on Monday during a town hall with 27 groups in Dutse, Namadi urged the protesters to have a rethink. 

Some of the groups who participated in the meeting, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), reportedly distanced themselves from the proposed protest.

The governor expressed regret over the economic hardship and urged the public to view their predicament as “a trial from God”. 

“But, protest is not the solution,” NAN quoted Namadi as saying.

“There are many ways people could express their grievances; people are at liberty to display their grievances through protest under democratic dispensation, but that is not the most effective way to address the problems. 

“The protest alone will not provide the solutions; people should turn to God, repent, seek for forgiveness and divine intervention on the challenges.”

Namadi added that federal and sub-national governments have been providing foodstuffs and cash to cushion the hardship.

Tijjani Abdullahi, commissioner of police in Jigawa, advised those who are insisting on the protest to have a “second thought”.

“The security agencies in the state are combat ready to deal with anyone who wants to breach public peace and order,” Abdullahi warned.