The Nigerian Presidency has reaffirmed that citizens have the constitutional right to peaceful protest, stating that no one can deny them this fundamental right. This declaration coincided with pro-government protests organized by state chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in various state capitals and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
**Government Measures to Address Youth Concerns**
In response to a planned protest set to begin on August 1 and last for ten days, the Federal Government is taking steps to address the concerns of the youth. These measures include offering jobs in the state oil company and providing billions of naira in grants. The announcement comes as the government seeks to stave off the impending protests against economic hardships.
**IGP Summons Legal Adviser of Protest Organizers**
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has summoned Mr. Ebun Olu-Olu-Adegboruwa, SAN, the legal adviser to the protest organizers, to a meeting at Force Headquarters in Abuja. The meeting aims to discuss the nationwide protest planned for August 1.
**Calls for Peaceful Protests and Security Preparations**
Despite concerns about potential violence, civil society organizations have reaffirmed the right to peaceful protest as a cornerstone of democratic governance. One of the key organizers, Damilare Adenola of the Take-It-Back Movement, emphasized that public facilities such as Eagle Square in Abuja should be available for protests, countering the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s stance on requiring official applications for its use.
**Senate President and NBA Urge Dialogue and Caution**
Senate President Godswill Akpabio attributed the planned protest to politicians who lost in the 2023 elections and urged youths not to participate in actions that could destabilize the country. Meanwhile, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) called for dialogue between the government and protest organizers to address the issues at hand without resorting to protests.
**Education Ministry Directs Universities to Ensure Safety**
The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, directed all universities to ensure the security and safety of staff, students, and property during the planned protests. This directive was conveyed to vice-chancellors to take proactive measures in safeguarding their institutions.
**APC Leaders in Southwest Appeal for Patience**
The Southwest Executive Committee of the APC appealed to Nigerians to be patient with the current administration, assuring that the present hardships will soon give way to improved living conditions. They urged the public not to turn the region into a center of unrest through violent protests.
