Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has appealed to Nigerians, urging them to give President Bola Tinubu more time to tackle the nation’s economic challenges.
According to Channels Television, the minister requested that those planning to participate in the August protest exercise patience and patriotism.
Tunji-Ojo pointed out that President Tinubu should not be expected to resolve problems that have been building up for a century within a single year.
He emphasised the need for dialogue and engagement before taking to the streets in protest.
The minister defended Tinubu’s administration, stating that the president has made courageous decisions, including the removal of the petrol subsidy, which he compared to treating cancer.
He insisted that these measures are part of a necessary process to heal the nation’s economy.
Tunji-Ojo explained that Nigeria is undergoing a significant transformation, akin to a surgical operation, and will eventually emerge healthier and stronger.
He stressed that the current economic woes are not the result of recent actions but rather the consequence of long-term mismanagement.
The planned protest against economic hardship, gaining momentum on social media, is set to take place across all states of the Federation, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, in August.
The economic situation in Nigeria has deteriorated, with the prices of food and essential commodities soaring in recent months.
Nigerians are grappling with one of the worst inflation rates in the country’s history, exacerbated by the government’s dual policies of removing the petrol subsidy and unifying forex windows.
The minister’s plea comes at a time of widespread public dissatisfaction and calls for immediate relief from the economic pressures.
Tunji-Ojo acknowledged the hardships faced by citizens but reiterated that the government’s actions are aimed at long-term benefits and stability.
Tunji-Ojo said, “What you see today is an accumulated mismanagement over the last 100, 60, 30 years.
“Mr. President (Tinubu), to the best of my knowledge, never campaigned to be a magician; he campaigned as a statesman; he campaigned on the basis of ‘Renewed Hope’. Before hope could be renewed, it had dwindled.
“When you want to reboot hope that has been down, you need a bit of time, and we are on the right step.”….Seē _ Morē