From Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin Kebbi
A coalition of women’s groups in Kebbi State has kicked against the planned nationwide protests against the present administration of President Bola Tinubu.
The women made their position known when they staged a peaceful demonstration in Birnin Kebbi in support of the present administrations at both the state and federal levels.
Under the auspices of ‘Mata Zalla’, they took to the streets with placards carrying different inscriptions chanting “Bamuson zanga-zanga,” meaning “we don’t want protests” in Nigeria.
The women expressed confidence in the ability and capability of His Excellency, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris, to take the state to a higher level of development, as demonstrated by his giant strides within the shortest period as governor of Kebbi State.
Conveying their message of solidarity to the governor, Hajiya Aisha Nuhu, the state coordinator of the women’s association, said, “We have gathered in large numbers to show our appreciation for the good work of our leaders and to express our opposition to the planned protests, which we believe will only bring harm to our nation.”
While promising to mobilise women in support of government policies and programmes, the coordinator said they would not relent in going house to house, door to door, neighbour to neighbour across the state.
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“We want to demonstrate our solidarity with His Excellency, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, as well as President Bola Tinubu.”
Hajiya Fatima Ahmed, a member of the association, emphasised, “We will not join any protest against the government. Instead, we pledge our solidarity with the government.”
Maryam Umar, Public Relations Officer of the association, acknowledged the invaluable contributions of Hajiya Nafisa Nasir Idris through the NANAS Foundation, which has positively impacted the lives of women in Kebbi State.
“As for us, protest is not a good omen for the state and country in general.
“We are satisfied with the sterling achievements of our God-given governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, our President, Bola Tinubu, and what Hajiya Nafisa is doing for women,” she said.
Sabatu Andrew from the NANAS Foundation also acknowledged the hard work of the Kebbi State Governor, Dr Nasir Idris’s infrastructural development, as well as the untiring efforts of the wife of the Governor, Hajiya Nafisa Nasir Idris, to empower women in the state.
Governor Nasir Idris, in his response, which was delivered by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Yakubu Bala-Tafida, expressed appreciation to the women for voicing their opposition to the protest and also identifying with the good work of the people-oriented government of Kauran Gwandu and the Federal Government under the able leadership of President Tinubu.
He said, “We thank Allah that you have appreciated the developmental strides of the Kebbi State Governor, Kauran Gwandu, and our President, Bola Tinubu, to put things right in Nigeria.
“We are also happy that you will keep away from the planned nationwide protests.
“I assure you the state government and federal government would continue to promote your welfare and associate with you to develop our land,” the governor assured.