Maiduguri Borno state: Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has said nationwide protests will bring disaster upon Nigerians, He implored Nigerians not to engage in protests for it can exacerbate the country’s current hardships.
The North Eastern Governor made the statement in a town hall meeting held in Maiduguri on Wednesday . Professor Zulum addressed a diverse audience of religious leaders, political figures, trade union representatives, students, and civil society members.
Mr Zulum stressed the importance of maintaining the fragile stability in Borno after the state had endured 13 years of insurgency but was now witnessing a gradual return to peace.
He said, “Any break of law and order will be a disaster for us. I am appealing not only to the people of Borno State but to all Nigerians to shun any protests that would only bring further hardship.”
The governor urged citizens to engage in “positive dialogue” rather than staging protests. He reassured the public that both the federal and state governments are committed to addressing the current economic challenges.
“Let us engage in positive discussions. “The federal and state governments are doing everything possible to alleviate the hardships that Nigerians are experiencing,” said Mr Zulum.
His comments come in the wake of nationwide protests planned for August in response to the severe economic challenges that have worsened since President Bola Tinubu took office.
President Tinubu inherited a debt profile of N46 trillion from the previous administration, according to the Debt Management Office.
We all know the economic hardship existed prior to his presidency, Mr Tinubu’s policies, including the removal of the fuel subsidy and the decision to float the naira, have led to a surge in petrol prices from N145 to N710 per litre, and the naira has plunged to approximately N1,500 to the dollar.
While economic experts and the International Monetary Fund have praised these reforms as daring, the subsequent increase in food prices has sparked protests in various states, including Niger, Osun, Ibadan, and Lagos, Mr Tinubu’s home state.
According to Peoples Gazette surveys, food costs have increased by more than 100 percent across the country since Mr Tinubu’s inauguration on May 29, 2024. However, despite appeals from the Nigeria Labour Congress, the minimum wage has not been increased.
In March, economic hardship prompted a raid on a government-owned warehouse in Abuja, where locals seized food supplies. Trucks transporting food were attacked in Suleja and Zaria as the country chronic hunger persisted
