**ABUJA** — President Bola Tinubu emphasized on Thursday that no government will tolerate protests that result in the destruction of lives and property.
The President met separately with All Progressives Congress (APC) governors and traditional rulers at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, in a bid to preempt the planned protests.
Prior to meeting with the President, APC governors had urged protest organizers to reconsider their plans, citing the already tense state of the nation.
The President’s warning came on the same day that the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) expressed concerns about the planned nationwide protest. The DSS warned that the protest could be exploited by violent elements, while the DHQ noted that there are signs of attempts to replicate violent events seen in Kenya.
Although the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) announced it would not participate in the protest, it called on the police to ensure the safety of protesters and urged President Tinubu to review his administration’s naira flotation policy, which the TUC believes has contributed to the country’s economic difficulties.
Conversely, the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) directed its 104 affiliated youth organizations to remain on alert for the nationwide protest scheduled to commence on August 1.
During a reception for the newly appointed United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, Jr., President Tinubu reiterated his commitment to democracy and peaceful protest, stating that while demonstrations are a democratic right, any that lead to violence and property destruction will not be supported. He emphasized Nigeria’s role as Africa’s largest democracy and its desire for continued US partnership.
Ambassador Mills affirmed the US’s support for Nigeria’s democratic process and expressed readiness to enhance bilateral cooperation.
**Meeting with APC Governors**
President Tinubu also held a meeting with the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) at the Presidential Villa. The agenda was largely believed to be related to the planned protests. The meeting was led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, with other notable attendees including Kwara State Governor Abdulrazaq Abdulrahman and the reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shuaibu.
**Meeting with Traditional Rulers**
The President’s engagement with traditional rulers was the second such meeting amid calls for the August 1 protest. The session, which included Vice President Kashim Shettima and members of the President’s cabinet, saw traditional leaders like the Sultan of Sokoto and the Ooni of Ife discussing ways to prevent the protest from escalating.
The Ooni of Ife urged that the protest not be hijacked by individuals with ulterior motives, emphasizing the right to protest while cautioning against violence. Similarly, the Dein of Agbor encouraged the youth to avoid actions that could harm the country and collaborate with the government to address grievances.
**DSS and DHQ Warnings**
The DSS announced it has identified the sponsors of the planned protest and warned against proceeding with it, citing intelligence that the protest could be exploited to create chaos and violence. The agency emphasized that while peaceful protest is a right, the intended violence could be aimed at regime change.
The DHQ echoed these concerns, noting that the protest could be hijacked to cause anarchy, referencing unrest in Kenya as a potential outcome.
**APC Governors’ Appeal**
APC governors appealed to the youth to avoid participating in the protest, stressing that while the government acknowledges economic hardships, protests could exacerbate the situation. They called for patience and engagement with the government to resolve issues.
**TUC and FCT Reactions**
The TUC stated it would not join the protest but emphasized the need for police protection for those who choose to participate. They also criticized the floating of the naira as a contributing factor to economic hardships.
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike declared that Abuja would not be a venue for the protest, urging citizens to seek good governance through legal means and not through protests that could disrupt progress.
**Senate Call**
Senate Committee Chairman on Privatisation, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, urged youths to delay the protest to avoid economic damage, while the NYCN prepared its affiliates for the August 1 demonstrations, citing severe socio-economic issues as motivation for the protest.
(Vanguard)