Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has called on Nigerians to reconsider their planned nationwide protests against the government, set to take place from August 1 to August 10. Speaking after a closed-door meeting with fellow governors in Abuja, Uzodimma expressed concerns about the timing and purpose of the demonstrations, asserting that the specific reasons for the protests remain unclear.
The Progressives Governors Forum, led by Uzodimma, which includes members from the All Progressives Congress (APC), has urged restraint, emphasizing the need to focus on pressing national issues such as insecurity, economic challenges, and food security. Uzodimma criticized the calls for protests, suggesting that they could exacerbate the country’s difficulties rather than address them.
“We don’t know what they are protesting for,” Uzodimma said, questioning the motives behind the planned demonstrations. He highlighted the current struggles facing the nation, including economic recession and security concerns, and argued that further agitation could undermine efforts to stabilize the country.
The governor appealed to Nigerians, especially the youth, to avoid being drawn into actions that could lead to chaos. He urged citizens to engage in dialogue rather than protests, suggesting that a more constructive approach would be to discuss grievances directly with government representatives.
Uzodimma also reiterated the commitment of the Progressive Governors Forum to support President Bola Tinubu and his administration. He praised the president’s economic policies and reforms, calling for patience as the government works to alleviate the economic hardships experienced by many Nigerians.
The governor’s appeal comes amidst a backdrop of rising public discontent and calls for accountability from the government. With growing economic and social pressures, the role of protests in Nigerian politics remains a contentious issue, with differing opinions on how best to address the nation’s challenges.
