The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has called on Nigerians to exercise patience and give the Federal Government more time to address the nation’s economic challenges.
As reported by Channels TV, the monarch’s appeal came through a statement released on Wednesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Osaigbovo Iguobaro.
In his message, Oba Ewuare II urged the government to accelerate the implementation of its economic policies to alleviate the ongoing hardships faced by many Nigerians. …CONTINUE READING
“Arising from the emergency meeting of the National Executive Committee of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) held in Abuja on Monday, July 22, the Omo N’Oba wishes to appeal to the general public to give the Federal Government sufficient time to implement its economic policies aimed at alleviating the present hardship experienced by Nigerians,” he said.
The Oba specifically addressed the planned nationwide protest scheduled for August 1st, urging organizers to reconsider their plans. “The Omo N’Oba appeals to those planning the August 1st nationwide protest to shelve the plan.
The Omo N’Oba also urges the Federal Government to intensify efforts in the implementation of its economic and security policies.
The protest, aimed at highlighting the severe economic difficulties facing Nigerians, has gained momentum on social media. It is set to take place across all states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. Despite the widespread support, the organizers remain anonymous.
Nigeria has been grappling with soaring prices of food and basic commodities, driven by the government’s recent policies of removing petrol subsidies and unifying forex windows. This has led to one of the worst inflation crises in the country’s history.
Authorities, including the National Orientation Agency (NOA), the Nigeria Police Force, and the House of Representatives, have issued warnings against the planned demonstration. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Senator Ali Ndume have called on the President to address the grievances of the discontented citizens, mainly the youth.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga recently cautioned that the protest could potentially escalate into widespread destruction, similar to the EndSARS protests in October 2020, which were marked by significant unrest and damage to property.
