PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has pleaded with the aggrieved Nigerians, especially the youths who are planning a national protest over the high cost of leaving to shelve the planned action, saying there is no need for it.
The President also assured those behind the planned national protest that he has heard their grievances and is working seriously to ensure that all their concerns are addressed.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, conveyed the President’s plea while speaking with State House correspondents after he his meeting with Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The Minister said that at the meeting with the President, general issues on the country were discussed and the President said he was working assiduously to ensure that the country’s economy is placed in a good position.
He said, “We discussed the issue of the country in general and Mr President has asked me to again inform Nigerians that he listens to them, especially the young people that are trying to protest.
“Mr President said he listens to them and takes what they say seriously and he is working assiduously to ensure that this country is good not just for today but also for the future.
“The issue of the planned protest, Mr President does not see any need for that he asked them to shelve that plan and he has asked them to await the government’s response to all their pleas, he has listened to them.”
Idris added, “Only today, the NASS has expeditiously passed the bill on the national minimum wage. You can see how the President is working. The bill was transmitted only yesterday and today it has been passed. A lot of other interventions that the President has put in place are also going to be looked at expeditiously in the interest of Nigerians, so there is no need for a strike (protest).
“The young people out there should listen to the President and allow the President more time to see to the realisation of all the goodies he has for them.”
The Minister said it was against this backdrop that the government approved the distribution of grains and rice to state governments.
“Like I said that time, it is just the necessary first step. The government is going to continue in that direction, supporting them and assuring that whatever intervention the Federal Government has put in place goes to those that should benefit. It is very important that this is being put out.”
