By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ifeanyi Araraume, has appealed to the government and people of Nigeria to work collaboratively towards the preservation of the national interest.
Araraume, who spoke against the backdrop of the nationwide protests being planned for August 1-10, 2024, said that it was important that all eyes are on the ball of harmony, unity, peace and progress in the course of any people-to-government action.
According to him: “The citizens are free to engage with their government on issues that affect them. Their resort to public space protests underscores the depth of their dissatisfaction with the state of affairs.
“On the other hand, the fact that government has taken a number of steps to avert the protests is a clear indication that the government is well apprised of the pains, the complaints and the angst of the citizens.
“I believe genuine steps are being taken to address the contending issues that have made the economic condition difficult for the vast majority of Nigerians.”
Araraume expressed confidence that the government is committed to resolving the issues causing hardship for the populace and urged Nigerians to remain patient and exercise restraint.
He highlighted the ongoing efforts of the Federal Government to develop policies and implement strategies aimed at addressing public concerns and delivering tangible improvements.
In particular, Araraume commended the recent decision of the President for
approving the sale of crude oil to Dangote refinery and other legitimate local refineries, in local naira currency, as a positive step towards alleviating economic challenges faced by Nigerians.
He emphasized that such measures should be recognized as part of a broader initiative by the administration to address the country’s economic issues effectively.
Furthermore, Araraume pointed out that the government under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership has just announced the suspension of import tariffs and taxes on essential food items, stating that this action demonstrates the administration’s commitment to making life more affordable for the people and signifies that the citizens’ agitations are beginning to yield positive results.
“Since government is already taking steps towards addressing the public concerns, embarking on public space protests becomes needless. Protests would have been well advised had the government ignored reports about planned nationwide anti-economic hardship protests.
“But if they must protest, I pray that they would be guided by national interest and take steps to guard against politicization of the action, economic sabotage, as well as hijack of the protests by unscrupulous elements and hoodlums.
“Our unity must be preserved; our harmony must be strengthened while our economy must be bolstered; and, one pragmatic way to bolster the economy is by shunning protests and allowing organized bodies and existing government institutions like Labour bodies, National Assembly, traditional rulers, religious leaders, non-state actors to engage with government on the economic situation on behalf of and in the interest of all and sundry.”