PRESS RELEASE
The Guild of Public Affairs Analysts of Nigeria, GPAAN, has called on the President Ahmed Tinubu-led government to ensure that protesters engaged in the August 1 to 10 ,2024 nationwide protests, expressing their grievances over the economic hardship in the land are protected from all forms of harm.
Going by Sections 39 and 40 of the 1999 constitution (as amended ) the citizens have the right to express their views as well as that of free movement and association. It should be noted that it is also the statutory functions and duties of the government to protect the sanctity of life of the citizens, and provide for their welfare, as clearly enshrined in Section 14 Sub-section (2) ( b ) of the same constitution.
It would be recalled that ever since the abrupt removal of fuel subsidy on May 29,2023 by President Tinubu and the subsequent removal of subsidy on electricity tariff, as well as tinkering with the tuition fees paid by students in public-owned universities, polytechnics and colleges of education, the dire consequences include an inflation rate of 34.19% and a food inflation rate of 40.9% as at June 2024. These scary figures remain the highest since 1996. Nigeria is ranked as the 109th out of 125 countries on the Global Hunger Index, GHI.
The telling effects include the exit of over 16 multinational companies, leading to job losses while members’ of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria ( MAN) are groaning over the inclement operational environment.
Going by the above -stated critical issues, the federal government should therefore, listen to the cries of the protesters and institute measures at mitigating the preventable pains so far visited on the people. It should also put in place pro-people policies towards finding lasting solutions to the protesters’ demands.
GPAAN is also using this opportunity to urge the protesters to avoid the infiltration of hoodlums and criminals, so as not to hijack the peaceful protests.
For the records, the Ayo Oyoze Baje -led GPAAN is made up of seasoned analysts drawn from different professional backgrounds who are active on radio, television, newspapers, magazines and online blogs, analysing local and international news as they evolve. The Vision of the group is to see to the enthronement of good governance in Nigeria.
Other members of the executive include Lekan Sote (VP), Victor Anya (Gen. Sec ), Achike Chude (PRO), Richard Inumah ( Assistant Sec), Joseph Amaoru ( Treasurer),and Steve Aya ( Financial Secretary).