Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The chairman, Progressives Governors’ Forum, and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, has warned the people of the South Eastern parts of the country not to participate in the planned nationwide protest against economic hardship in the country.
He gave the warning in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, during the APC’s grand rally for the local government and council elections across the 13 local government areas and 171 wards in the state.
Recall there have been fliers and other messages circulating in the social media, mobilising Nigerians for a 10-day protest over the worsening hardship across the country.
According to him “A nationwide protest titled, ‘End bad government in Nigeria 2024’ is scheduled to take place from August 1 to August 10, 2024. The protest, organised under the banner, ’10 Days of Rage,’ aims to address multiple grievances against the current government.
“This movement is expected to be widespread, involving significant participation from various regions, tribes, and religious groups across the country.
“The protest will run for 10 days, from August 1 to August 10, 2024. Its main slogan, ‘We are not slaves’ emphasises the protesters’ resolve. The scope of the protest is nationwide with major activities planned in key cities, including Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt, Enugu, and Kaduna.
“The protesters have outlined several primary demands, including ending subsidy scam and reducing fuel prices to below ₦300 per litre, reverting tertiary education fees to previous rates by reversing subsidies, restoring affordable electricity tariffs, reinstating previous import duty rates, publicly disclosing and reducing the salaries and allowances of all senators, House of Representatives members and the Speaker…” the messages on one of the national protest flier said.
The governor agreed that there is hardship across the country but urged the South East not to be part of the national protest, insisting that President Tinubu was addressing the problems. He argued that South East was one of the major beneficiaries of the administration.
“Our enemies are trying to disorganise the national government. They will come to you, they want us to protest. Ask them if you want us to protest, where are your children? Why must you even protest? To protest against what? This government is our government; the government of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu is our government. So, nobody from the South East will protest, we are not aggrieved. We have hope. Whatever they say, this government is barely one year old.
“We are aware there is hardship. We are aware things are hard, but I bet you, the president is working so hard to release money to the people, release infrastructure to the people, and increase food security to the people. Follow your leaders, work with your leaders.
“Igbo have been at the forefront of national development in academia, in the private sector, in business. We must have something to show for the contributions of our forefathers, and those who really founded Nigeria, those who paid the price for Nigeria to be. This is our common heritage, this is our patrimony”, Uzodimma said.