Some pro-democracy groups, operating under the name Arewa Initiative for Defence and Promotion of Democracy, have advised Nigerians not to join any protests against the Bola Tinubu-led government. The group’s chairman, Professor Shehu Abdullahi, has described recent protests against the current administration as being sponsored.
In recent times, Nigerians in Minna, Suleja, Lokoja have taken to the streets to voice out their concerns about the high cost of food across the country under Tinubu’s leadership. However, the Arewa Initiative for Defence and Promotion of Democracy has said that the harsh economic situation being faced by Nigerians is a result of a weak economy handed over to Tinubu by his predecessor.
Abdullahi, while addressing a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, said that the few protests that have occurred in some states are unnecessary, as the Tinubu-led federal government is already addressing those problems. He added that it is too early to assess an eight-month-old government and that the President needs more time to address the issues facing the country.
Abdullahi has advised Nigerians to be patient and show patriotism by cooperating with this administration in its efforts to find solutions to the country’s problems of inflation, corruption, banditry, kidnapping, and insecurity.
According to the group, after an extraordinary meeting held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, the North is behind President Tinubu and will continue to support and work with him to achieve his “Renewed Hope Agenda.”
“The current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu inherited a lot of problems from the past administration of Muhammadu Buhari which it is currently trying to address,” he said. “The solutions to the problems cannot be instantly solved but in a gradual pattern.”
The group, however, added that it is not against any legitimate form of protest to show grievances with government policy or programs, provided it is done in good faith and under the law.