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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Vice President Kashim Shettima has appealed to Nigerians youth planning the nationwide protests from August 1-10, saying this is the time to solve problems and not protest.
The VP who acknowledged the hardship being faced by Nigerians due to recent economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies, admitted that the rights to protests is captured in the Nigerian constitution.
According to his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the vice president made the appeal when he unveiled the partnership targeted at addressing Nigeria’s pressing nutritional challenges with the Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN) during a high-level meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The VP also used the occasion to announce federal government’s participation in the Grand Challenges Nigeria (GCNg) Project, a global health initiative aimed at combating malnutrition and food insecurity in Nigeria.
Addressing the delegation, Shettima emphasised the need for constructive action over protest, stating: “This is the time for us to solve our problems, not to protest. The right to protest is guaranteed in most democracies around the world, but when you can start the agitation, and you don’t know where it will end, it is a road to anarchy.
“We appreciate what Nigerians are going through, and our heart goes out to them. The oil subsidy has been an albatross on our neck for 50 years. Once the harvests start coming, we believe it will have a positive effect on the common man.
“I wish to call on you to advocate diplomacy, engagement, and patience. The President is very much committed to the Nigerian project but it’s like a percolation project. When a woman is giving birth, it’s a very painful process but once the child is delivered, it is a cause for celebration.”
As part of the government’s response to the nutritional crisis, Shettima reiterated the government’s commitment to the Nutrition 774 Initiative, explaining that “catalytic initiatives like the Nutrition 774 Initiative are meticulously designed to incentivize positive changes across our communities.”
