High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo, Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, has appealed to those planning the nationwide protest from August 1st to 10th, 2024, to reconsider in the interest of the country.
Tompolo, the Ibe-Ebidouwei of Ijaw Nation, acknowledged the hunger and hardship in the land but assured that President Bola Tinubu and his team are actively addressing the people’s concerns. His appeal, made in a statement on Friday, aligns with similar concerns expressed by the National Security Adviser, governors, top traditional rulers, and others in the days leading up to the protest.
He urged Nigerians to show more patience with the President, noting that the economic hardship did not begin with the Tinubu administration. He emphasized that Tinubu is working diligently to revamp the economy through well-thought-out policies and programs.
Tompolo highlighted the holistic measures being implemented to tackle the nation’s economic and security challenges. He also warned that the timing of the planned protest could be detrimental to the nation’s interest, as security reports suggest it might be hijacked by individuals with ulterior motives.
“I am aware of Mr. President’s efforts to get things right in the country, and truly things are getting better. For instance, there is a great improvement in the oil and gas sector in the last year, which is still the mainstay of our economy,” he said.
“I recognize the citizens’ right to protest government policies and programs. It is a vital way for citizens to participate in governance and check government excesses. However, the organizers of this planned protest against hardship must understand that the timing is wrong, and the protest may cause more harm than good, as security reports have indicated that it could be hijacked by unscrupulous elements.”
Tompolo joined other patriotic Nigerians in appealing to prospective protesters to call off the planned protest and engage with governments at all levels to find lasting solutions to the country’s problems.
“The threat of protest alone has achieved its aim, as Mr. President has clearly stated that he has heard the voice of prospective protesters,” he concluded.
(Vanguard)