Former APC National Vice Chairman, Salihu Lukman, accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of urgently mobilizing opposition to a planned protest set for August 1-10, 2024.
Lukman claimed that Tinubu met with governors, traditional rulers, and religious leaders on July 25, urging Nigerians to remain patient and avoid protesting.
The Leadership reported that Lukman highlighted that the Department of State Services (DSS) alleged it uncovered plans to hijack the protest, and the Defense Headquarters issued warnings against violence. He criticized these measures as repetitive tactics used to stifle legitimate dissent.
Lukman argued that those opposing the protest have never supported popular campaigns in Nigeria. He asserted that these groups consistently issue warnings about potential violence and plots by opposition elements to derail protests.
He contended that the security agencies’ attempts to forcibly disperse protesters often lead to violence. Despite these warnings, Lukman noted that protests have historically occurred and achieved varying degrees of success.
He emphasized that Nigerians are currently more discontented than ever. He questioned why citizens should be patient with Tinubu’s policies, which he claims impoverish them.
He criticized Tinubu for hastily ending the petroleum subsidy and floating the Naira exchange rate without plans to boost local production or ensure local refining capacity.
He questioned why Tinubu is rushing policy implementation without aligning them with the expectations of refining capacity improvements and Criticized the conflict between NNPC and Dangote Refinery as unnecessary.
Quoting him, “If President Asiwaju Tinubu has turned out to be an impatient leader who is in a hurry to implement policies that have impoverished citizens, why should citizens be patient with him?”
“Here is a President Asiwaju Tinubu who, even before settling down to resume work as President of the Federal Republic, declared an end to petroleum subsidy without any plan.”
“At the same time, he proceeded to float the exchange rate of the naira against other international currencies.”
“For an import-dependent nation, why should any leaders be in a hurry to implement such policies without having any plan to boost local production?”
“In the case of withdrawal of subsidy, does it require any counseling to time such policy with ensuring capacity for local refining?”
“With all the talk of fixing the four refineries in the country and the beginning of production activity by the Dangote refinery, why is President Asiwaju Tinubu in a mad rush and unable to align his policy initiatives with these expectations?”….Seē _ Morē
