Former executive secretary of Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission
(NCPC), Rev Yakubu Pam has described the nationwide ‘Hunger Protest’
as an ill wind that blows nobody any good, that the organisers should
use the ample opportunity to engage the federal government in
meaningful dialogue on the way out of the present hardship in Nigeria.
Pam, who made this known in a press statement yesterday, said there is a need for dialogue since nation-building is always a work in progress.
He said that even more critical are the developed and advanced countries.
currently have their fair share of the high cost of living and
economic hardships; hence, Nigeria is no exception.
“Nigeria is already at the tipping point due to the plan.
“Hunger Protest” by groups of youth across the country, hashtag
“EndBadGovernanceInNigeria,” which commenced on Thursday, August 1,
2024.
“Even though Nigerians have the constitutional right to peaceful
gathering and peaceful protest, there are strong indications that such
a planned protest is an invitation to chaos.
“Indeed, Nigerians still have fresh memories of the tale of woes
during the infamous 2020 #EndSARS rallies in the major cities in the
federation, which began peacefully but was later hijacked by
unscrupulous elements and hoodlums who wreaked havoc and looted as
well as vandalised both public and private property,” he said.
The former NCPC boss recalled the 1988 fuel hike by the military
administration of President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida which ignited
protests nationwide and led to the wanton destruction of lives and
property.
“There is no doubt that Nigeria is experiencing its worst cost of
living and economic hardships following the inevitable economic
reforms by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“The sole aim is to turn around the country’s dwindling economic fortunes before his assumption in office over a year ago. It was
obvious that the nation’s economy was comatose and needed urgent
revival.
“Thus, the removal of the fuel subsidy, which had hitherto served as
the conduit pipe to drain the nation’s resources during successive
administrations by a few unpatriotic and unscrupulous Nigerians to the
detriment of the well-being of the pauperised masses had become
imperative,” he said.
