‘New Dawn’ reps to youths: Shelve planned protest, dialogue with FG

A group of lawmakers in the house of representatives known as the “New Dawn” caucus has asked youths to shelve their planned nationwide protest and dialogue with the federal government.

There have been reports about a planned youth-led nationwide protest against the economic hardship in the country.

“While acknowledging the right to peaceful protest, caucus appeals to Nigerians, particularly the youths, to reconsider the planned hardship protest and instead engage in dialogue with the federal government to address the economic challenges faced by the populace,” the lawmakers said in a communiqué issued after a meeting in Abuja on Wednesday.

The caucus commended both chambers of the national assembly for the “expeditious passage” of the new minimum wage bill.

“Caucus commends both chambers of the national assembly for the expeditious passage of the 2024 national minimum wage act and is pleased with the reduction in the review period for the minimum wage from five to three years,” the communiqué reads.

“Caucus urges all security chiefs and agencies to take decisive action to curb the widespread insecurity in the country.

“Caucus commends the honourable members of the 10th house for demonstrating empathy by deciding to forgo 50 percent of their salaries for six months in light of the economic hardships faced by citizens.”

The lawmakers passed a vote of confidence on Tajudeen Abass, speaker of the house.

The caucus was formed in the build-up to the election of the leadership of the lower legislative chamber and has remained a pressure group in the house.

The communiqué was signed by Marcus Onobun, Leko Gambo, Jeremiah Umaru, Martins Esin, and Ojema Ojuto for 170 members of the green chamber.