President Bola Tinubu has declared that the Federal Government was afraid of the nationwide protest being planned for August 1.
He stated this when he hosted royal fathers led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar lll across the country in a meeting at the presidential Villa on Thursday
A statement by his spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale on Thursday after the meeting quoted the President saying “Our concern is the ordinary people, and the damages that will be done. Till today, I cannot forget the brand new 60 and 100 seater buses, down there in Lagos that were burnt down, and we are now complaining of transportation. That is the problem. That is why I must say thank you for talking to the citizens,’’ the President told the traditional rulers.
The President also said security was getting more attention and will be enhanced.
“Security is getting better, but we cannot take our eyes off the camera because it takes one accident for things to flare up. We are managing it.
“We have created instruments to support the students so that they get education, consumer credit to expand the economy, to improve the purchasing power of the people in order to rejuvenate the economy within a short period of time. We are still recalibrating our oil usage,’’ the President stated.
According to the statement, President Tinubu said he will continue to explain the economic reforms and projected benefits to the nation, adding that he remains open to dialogue for the development of the country.
“President Tinubu urged the royal fathers to reach out to citizens on the genuine intentions of the government to deliver on its promises of Renewed Hope.
“Now, we are sending money to the local governments. I addressed the governors today on that issue. I have been distributing fertilizer, rice, and other items to support the recovery of citizens. “I assure you, Nigerians, we are looking at the light at the end of the tunnel. I can assure you, this economy will be revived, will survive, and prosper,’’ the President emphasized.
The Sultan of Sokoto said: “I believe that this brief meeting will clear some issues that many people have in their minds. At our meeting on Monday, we had a very open discussion on all issues affecting the nation. We are the ones who will tell you the truth about what is happening in our various communities.’’
The royal father said an executive council meeting was held on Monday, and the Council, composed of all State Chairmen of the 36 States and the FCT, met to deliberate on the economy.
The Ooni of Ife thanked the President for inviting the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu; the Minister of Finance and Coordinating of Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, and the GCEO of NNPCL, Mele Kyari, to brief the traditional rulers on the state of the economy.
“We heard from the GCEO of NNPCL. They are the ones that propel our economy. We have heard from the Minister of Finance. We also heard from the Minister of Budget and the NSA. We want to encourage you, Mr. President, we will all get back to our various communities and let our people know because none of us locks our palaces,’’ the monarch added.
