Tinubu Meets APC Governors Amid Nationwide Protest Plans
President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governors are currently engaged in a closed-door meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. This meeting comes amidst growing calls for nationwide protests against economic hardship.
The Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) Chairman, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, along with the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Governor Abdulrazaq Abdulrahman of Kwara State, are leading the APC Governors’ delegation. The agenda of the meeting, though not officially confirmed, is believed to be connected to the planned nationwide protest scheduled to commence on August 1st 2024.
This meeting follows an earlier meeting of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) held on Wednesday evening and comes after the cancellation of the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting originally scheduled for noon Thursday.
Governor Uzodimma has expressed the governors’ commitment to the unity of the country and their dedication to improving the lives of Nigerians, creating jobs, and fostering prosperity. He stated, “We invite all of them to sit down with us in a room so we can discuss and agree on the issues, what they are, and proffer solutions.”
President Tinubu had earlier appealed to the organizers of the protest to shelve the idea and await his government’s response to their grievances. He emphasized his administration’s commitment to addressing the concerns of the populace.
The government has also instructed federal ministers to visit their respective states between July 24 and August 1 to meet with the people. This move is seen as part of a broader effort to engage with the public and address their concerns.
The ongoing meeting at the Presidential Villa is expected to focus on finding ways to engage with the organizers of the upcoming protest and prevent the situation from escalating into chaos. It remains to be seen what the outcome of this meeting will be and how it will impact the planned nationwide protest.
