Shettima Warns Against Protests Amid #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria Movement

The Nigerian government, led by President Bola Tinubu, has once again urged citizens to abandon planned protests against poor governance. Vice President Kashim Shettima made this appeal during a high-level meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Shettima emphasized that it was time to address problems rather than protest, as the Federal Government announced its involvement in the Grand Challenges Nigeria project, a global health initiative aimed at combating malnutrition and food insecurity in the country.

Acknowledging the hardships faced by Nigerians, particularly following the removal of petrol subsidies, Shettima stressed the importance of constructive action over protest. He stated, “This is the time for us to solve our problems, not to protest. The right to protest is guaranteed in most democracies around the world, but when you start agitation without knowing where it will end, it is a road to anarchy.”

Shettima assured that benefits from the fuel subsidy removal would soon be evident. “We appreciate what Nigerians are going through, and our heart goes out to them. The oil subsidy has been an albatross on our neck for 50 years. Once the harvests start coming, we believe it will have a positive effect on the common man.”

He called for diplomacy, engagement, and patience, stating, “The president is very much committed to the Nigerian project but it’s like a percolation project.”

The planned protests, driven by anger over the state of the economy, are set for August 1 to 10. Food inflation is estimated at 40.87%, and general inflation continues to rise, fueling the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria movement.