The Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Dr. Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), has called on Nigerians to shelve the proposed hardship protest planned to start on August 1.
In a press statement he made available to Saturday Sun, the Ibe-Ebidouwei of Ijaw Nation, noted that the hunger and hardship did not start today, adding that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was working hard to revamp the economy with well thought out policies and programmes in addressing the issues of the economy and security, which, he said are the bases of other problems in the country.
“I wish to add my voice to all well meaning Nigerians, including our revered traditional rulers, on the call to shelve the proposed hardship protest billed to start on August 1, 2024.
“It is true that there is hunger and hardship in the country. However, it must be pointed out that the hunger and hardship did not start today. But obviously, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is working hard to revamp the economy with well thought out policies and programmes in addressing the issues of the economy and security.
“I am aware of Mr President’s efforts to get things right in the country, and truly things are getting better. For instance, there is great improvement in the oil and gas sector in the last one year, which is still the main source of our economy,” Tompolo stressed.
He said, it’s the right of the citizens to protest government policies and programmes in any country because it is one sure way for them to participate effectively in governance by checking the excesses of any government.
“However, the organisers of this proposed hardship protest must know that the timing is wrong, and the protest may cause more harm than good, as security reports have indicated that the protest will be hijacked by unscrupulous elements.
“It is against this background, that I have joined other patriotic Nigerians to appeal to prospective protesters to call off the proposed protest and engage governments at all levels to find lasting solutions to the country’s problems. “You must agree with me that the threat for protest only has achieved its aim, as Mr. President has said it loud and clear that he has heard the voice of prospective protesters. After all, it is better to jaw-jaw than to war-war,” he emphasised.