From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja
Forum of State chairmen of All Progressives Congress (APC), has vowed to deploy every legitimate counter measure, in most civilised manner, to resist the August 1 nationwide protest.
The chairmen who accused failed politicians that want to get power through every illegitimate means, promised to sensitise innocent and mobilise peace Nigerians about the protest.
Promising to mobilise a solidarity rally by all structures across all political wards, Local Government Areas (LGSs) and States capital including Abuja FCT, the forum called on all security agencies to stand by their oath to protect life and properties, urging them to be proactive rather than reactionary in handling the proposed protest.
Forum Secretary, and Cross-River APC state chairman, Alphonsus Ogar Eba, who read the prepared speech urged patriotic Nigerians to join forces with security agencies to report any criminal element who attempt to carry out any act of violence.
“Against this background, in the next two weeks commencing from July 29 to 11th August 2024 and from this press briefing, which shall follow with a solidarity rally by all structures of our party across all political wards, LGAs and States capital including Abuja FCT, we shall embark on peaceful rally to re-echo the laudable projects and the programs of President Tinubu with greater vigour to protect and defend our democracy from any attack by hoodlums or some criminal elements who wants to carry out violent protest.
“All our party men and concerned Nigerian in other political parties, are enjoined to stand firm in protection of democracy. It should be noted that violent protest being contemplated by the faceless group as contained in their charter of demand will annihilate the democratic ideals which all political parties subscribed to.
“This is unacceptable and we must resist it in the most civil manner by sensitizing innocent and peace loving people of our country about the plans of failed politicians who want to get power through every illegitimate means by inciting ignorant Nigerians to embark on violent protest. We call on all security agencies to please stand by their Oath to protect life and properties. We humbly urge them to be proactive rather than being reactionary,” the forum said.
Defending President Tinubu further, the forum noted that; “It is true that our dear President on assumption of office took a bold, courageous and difficult step to reset the Nigerian economy and build stronger foundations to address the underlying problems of our economy such as the huge and wasteful burden of payment of fuel subsidy and the wide disparity in the Forex market.
“While things appear to be tough today, our hope for a better tomorrow is assured through the Renewed Hope policies, programs and projects being embarked upon by Mr President and these are intended to provide a sustainable permanent economic prospect for the good of all Nigerians.
“We want to commend the patience and tolerance of Nigerians this one year, we align with our traditional, religious and political leaders, fathers, mothers and friends alike across diverse religious, ethnic and different political parties to humbly appeal to all Nigerians to give Mr. President more time to implement his Renewed Hope projects and programs. We believe there will be light at the end of the tunnel,” the forum assured.