GROUPS IN EBONYI DECLINE JOINING NATIONAL PROTEST

REPORTER: AMECHI ODO

Political and religious leaders as well as youths and women groups in Ebonyi State have resolved that the people of the areae will not join the national protest against hardship scheduled to commence on August 1, 2024 as it is ill intended.

They made their feelings known during a consultative meeting involving youths and the stakeholders in Abakaliki.

The consultative meeting was part of the last minute push to dissuade Nigerians from marching on the streets to protest against economic hardship in the country.

Governor Francis Nwifuru, who led other political leaders to set the tone for the discussion, called on the people of the state to shun the national protest and engage the government in constructive dialogue to resolve all issues agitating their minds.

He appealed to Nigerians to exercise patience with President Bola Tinubu’s administration as he was making efforts to fix the country for the betterment of all.

The Minister of Works, Mr. David Umahi, said rising cost of living was not peculiar to Nigeria but noted that the federal government had introduced a series of policies to ameliorate the hardship in Nigeria.

According to the Minister, the policies include the sale of crude oil to oocal refineries in Naira, introduction of CNG buses and the removal of import duties on food and other essential items.

Other stakeholders, including a former Governor of the State, Chief Martin Elechi and a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Anyim Pius Anyim, serving senators and members of House of Representatives, emphasized that the protest was not necessary as it might be hijacked by the enemies of the state.

Representatives of various youth and pressure groups, including Prince Uche Aliega, dissociated their groups from the planned protest as they had resolved to continue to engage the government on challenging issues

Radio Nigeria gathered that the consultative meetings had been moved to various constituencies and wards.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU