Chief Tony Okocha, caretaker committee chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, has criticized the nationwide protest scheduled for August 1, 2024, aimed at addressing hunger and poor governance in Nigeria. In a statement on Sunday in Port Harcourt, Okocha warned that the protest might breach constitutional norms, according to Vanguard.
Okocha emphasized that many countries, including Nigeria, are struggling with the global economic downturn. He highlighted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is actively addressing current hardships through various policies and initiatives.
Okocha claimed that those organizing the protest are disgruntled political figures who have repeatedly failed in elections and lack the necessary sportsmanship. He cautioned that such protests could have serious consequences, drawing parallels with similar events in countries like Sudan.
He expressed concern that the organizers might be advocating for a government takeover, stressing that such actions could lead to serious legal consequences. Okocha urged the protesters to ensure that their actions do not result in violence or loss of innocent lives.
“I hope they are aware of the offence (s) behind the call for the takeover of a legitimate government of any country in the world,” the APC chairman warned.
In response to economic challenges, Okocha highlighted several government measures, including the establishment of a credit corporation to support households, the distribution of 740 trucks of rice across states and the Federal Capital Territory, and increased investment in agriculture. He also noted economic improvements, such as significant revenue growth and increased investor confidence, with the stock market showing a 33% return on investment.
Okocha praised President Tinubu’s decision to raise the minimum wage from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000, with future increments planned. He also commended the House of Representatives for their unprecedented decision to donate 50% of their salaries over the next six months to the federal government.
Okocha condemned the call for a nationwide protest as unpatriotic and disruptive, urging Nigerians to support the government’s efforts rather than endorse actions driven by personal agendas….Seē _ Morē