The Nigerian government on Wednesday issued a desperate plea for patience as citizens mobilize for nationwide protests scheduled to begin on August 1.
The appeal comes a day after the country’s police chief warned against the demonstrations.
Nigeria is currently grappling with a severe economic crisis, characterized by soaring inflation rates of 34.2% – the highest in nearly three decades.
These economic hardships have been exacerbated by President Bola Tinubu’s decision to remove fuel subsidies and devalue the naira last year.
The mounting public frustration over the deteriorating economic conditions has led to a surge in online activism, with citizens organizing protests under the banner “End Bad Governance in Nigeria.”
The demonstrators are demanding a range of measures, including free education, improved security, and a declaration of a state of emergency on inflation.
Information Minister Mohammed Idris acknowledged the public’s grievances but urged Nigerians to give the government more time to address their concerns.
He emphasized the need for calm and cooperation, expressing hope for a peaceful resolution to the situation.
Despite the government’s appeal, Nigeria’s largest labor union has thrown its support behind the protesters, calling for dialogue between the government and protest leaders.
As the nation teeters on the brink of unrest, all eyes are now on the government to respond to the growing public discontent.
