Senate President Godswill Akpabio has addressed the planned nationwide protest against hunger and hardship, scheduled to take place from August 1 to 10, by acknowledging Nigerians’ right to protest while cautioning against violence. He emphasized that the right to protest is fundamental, but it should not be exploited to destabilize the country.

Akpabio attributed the current economic challenges to years of insecurity, which has affected food production and supply, rather than solely blaming the present administration. He expressed optimism that the government is taking steps to address the issues, citing the removal of restrictions on food imports and waivers on certain items.

The Senate President appealed to Nigerians to give the Tinubu administration more time to implement its policies and yield results. He urged protesters to be peaceful and orderly, stating that the government is committed to addressing their grievances. Akpabio’s comments come amid growing concerns about the economic situation in Nigeria, with experts warning that the planned protest could have grave consequences for the already fragile economy.

Akpabio’s statement also highlighted the need for Nigerians to “own” the government and work together to address the challenges facing the country. He encouraged Nigerians to give the administration an opportunity to mature its policies, emphasizing that the economic challenges are being addressed. By acknowledging the right to protest while cautioning against violence, Akpabio’s statement aims to strike a balance between allowing citizens to express their grievances and maintaining stability in the country.