'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER – In response to planned nationwide protests, the Forum of All Progressives Congress (APC) States Chairmen has announced a series of counter-protests to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and maintain national stability.
During a press briefing held at the APC National Headquarters in Abuja today, the secretary of the forum, Alphonsus Eba who read the position of the chairmen expressed their appreciation for Nigerians’ patience and resilience throughout the President’s economic reform initiatives. They highlighted the administration’s efforts to address critical economic issues, such as fuel subsidy removal and Forex market disparities, and expressed confidence in the positive outcomes of these policies.
"It is true that our dear President on assumption of office took a bold, courageous and difficult step to reset the Nigerian economy and build stronger foundations to address the underlying problems of our economy such as the huge and wasteful burden of payment of fuel subsidy and the wide disparity in the Forex market.
"While things appear to be tough today, our hope for a better tomorrow is assured through the Renewed Hope policies, programs and projects being embarked upon by Mr President and these are intended to provide a sustainable permanent economic prospect for the good of all Nigerians.
"While we want to commend the patience and tolerance of Nigerians this one year, we align with our traditional, religious and political leaders, fathers, mothers and friends alike across diverse religious, ethnic and different political parties to humbly appeal to all Nigerians to give Mr. President more time to implement his Renewed Hope projects and programs. We believe there will be light at the end of the tunnel" the statement read in part.
The Chairmen raised concerns over the planned protests, citing security reports that suggest some groups might hijack these demonstrations for violent and political motives. They warned that such actions could exacerbate Nigeria’s current economic challenges and undermine democratic stability.
In light of these concerns, the APC announced plans to organize a series of solidarity rallies from July 29 to August 11, 2024. These rallies, set to occur across political wards, local government areas, and state capitals, including Abuja, aim to demonstrate support for President Tinubu’s administration and safeguard democracy against potential threats posed by the planned protests.
The statement further reads: "We call on all patriotic Nigerians to resist any attempt by any one or any group of persons to intimidate them into unorganized protest likely to endanger the peace we currently enjoy as a Nation.
"We call on Patriots to join forces with Security Agencies to report any criminal element who attempt to carry out any act of violence.
"Against this background, in the next two weeks commencing from today 29th July to 11th August 2024 and from this press briefing, which shall follow with a solidarity rally by all structures of our party across all political wards, LGAs and States capital including Abuja FCT, we shall embark on peaceful rally to re echo the laudable projects and the programs of President Tinubu with greater vigor to protect and defend our democracy from any attack by hoodlums or some criminal elements who wants to carry out violent protest."
The APC Chairmen denounced attempts by some political actors to use the protests as a means to achieve unconstitutional changes in government. They emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and order, urging Nigerians to resist any attempts to incite violence and to support security agencies in identifying and reporting criminal elements.
The Chairmen concluded their briefing by calling on all Nigerians to remain patient and vigilant, assuring that with continued support and peace, the country will overcome its current challenges and progress towards a brighter future.
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