To thwart the upcoming nationwide protest against governance issues due to inflation, President Bola Tinubu has instructed all federal ministers to visit their states from July 24 to August 1. The planned 10-day protest, scheduled for August 1 to 10, aims to denounce poor governance linked to escalating inflation and has garnered substantial traction on social media.
An urgent meeting took place in Abuja on Wednesday morning involving the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and all ministers. The discussion included plans for a national address by President Tinubu.
Although journalists were not allowed into the SGF Conference Room where the meeting was held, insiders shared insights into the talks.
A source stated, “All ministers were present. They suggested that there should be a national address. It was suggested that the President himself should do it. But the suggestion will have to reach the President first.
“They also asked ministers to put together three key achievements they have made in the past year. They will compile these achievements and present them to Nigerians.
“In fact, tomorrow (today), the Minister of Finance will be briefing the media on the state of the economy. But those achievements will be compiled for a separate presentation.”
“The government stands for dialogue. They will get the leaders (of the protest) to meet with the government for discussions.
“All the ministers will also go back to their states to engage their people so they won’t be misled into joining the protests. That is between now and the protest date.
“Some have been engaging their people before. But this time, everyone has been asked to go back there.”
Today, a number of ministers are anticipated to participate alongside state governors at the 143rd session of the National Economic Council, set to take place at the Council Chamber of the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja.
