We’re Not Against Protest But Hijack – FG

The Federal Government said it is not against the planned protest by Nigerian youths but expressed fears that it might be hijacked by undesirable elements to disturb public peace.

Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris, who spoke on Wednesday when he received the Charismatic Bishop Conference on a courtesy, said President Bola Tinubu acknowledged the rights of every Nigerian to engage in protest, but added that the government is aware that some people would want to hijack it and unleash violence on innocent Nigerians.

According to him, Tinubu believes in the freedom of everyone within the confines of the law to do what he thinks is right for him.

“The president is not an opponent of protest of any kind but the president is an opponent of violence and anything that will negatively hamper the wellbeing of Nigerians.

“He believes and he has always been saying that within the tenets of democracy, you have every right to do whatever you want to do provided that right does not infringe on another person’s right,” he said.

Alhaji Idris in a statement by his special assistant (media) Rabiu Ibrahim, noted that given what has happened around the world, it may impossible to hold the protest and still have peace at the same time.

He added that the president is aware of the genuine concerns and complaints expressed by Nigerians across the nation and is actively working to implement effective policies aimed at alleviating the challenges faced by the citizenry and bringing relief to all Nigerians.

President General of the Charismatic Bishops Conference, Archbishop Leonard Kawas, promised to partner with the Federal Government in prayers and advocacy for the success of the Tinubu administration.

Archbishop Kawas acknowledged that the administration has made tremendous progress in social investment, and presented a Meritorious Service Award to the minister.