Mohammed Idris: Planned protest a family issue — we hope peace prevails

Mohammed Idris, minister of information and national orientation, says those behind the planned nationwide protest over the harsh state of the economy should exercise patience.

There have been reports of planned protests by some youths over the economic situation in the country.

Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday after a meeting with George Akume, secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), Idris said President Bola Tinubu is working round the clock.

“Well, no one is going to sleep. Those that are agitating and asking for protests are Nigerians,” he said.

“They are our brothers; they are our sisters. Those also in positions of authority—the ministers, the president, and everybody else—are all Nigerians too. So, this is a family matter.

“This is a Nigerian family issue, and all of us are looking at this issue very well. We hope that peace will prevail at the end of the day.

“Many of the ministers are here; we have discussed issues of national interest, and all of us are working for Nigeria, and we hope and believe that Nigeria is going to be great again.”

The minister said there is no need for protests.

“If you have anything that you want to put out there, you are free to put it out there, but the government is insisting that we are all Nigerians,” he said.

“We have to be calm, be patient, and suffice it to say that let us give peace a chance. Mr. President is working round the clock, ministers are working, everyone is working. All hands are on deck.”