The Nigerian Presidency reaffirmed that citizens have an unassailable right to peaceful protest, amid rising concerns about the government’s stance on planned demonstrations from August 1-10.
Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, addressed these concerns during an interview on TVC’s “Politics on Sunday with Femi Akande.”
Ngelale underscored that the Tinubu administration is committed to serving Nigerians rather than dominating them.
“Let me be clear: we are not in office to dominate our people; we are here to serve them,” he stated emphatically.
He asserted that no government entity has the authority to obstruct peaceful protests, acknowledging public fears that demonstrations could be hijacked, reminiscent of the #EndSARS protests of 2020.
The spokesperson expressed the administration’s dedication to addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges despite the inherited difficulties from the previous government.
He acknowledged the severe economic pressures faced by Nigerians but urged patience, explaining that improvement takes time and there is no “magic wand” for instant solutions.
Ngelale highlighted several government initiatives aimed at bolstering economic growth and infrastructure.
These include single-digit interest rate credit facilities for over one million micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), extensive road and seaport reconstruction projects, a Student Loan Scheme, and the Consumer Credit Program.
He noted that while these efforts may take time to produce visible results, they are crucial for long-term economic stability.
He also pointed out the ongoing reconstruction of more than 300 roadways nationwide, including major highways such as the Lagos-Calabar super-highway and the Badagry-Sokoto highway.
Additionally, $1 billion is currently being invested in seaport reconstruction projects across eastern and western Nigeria.
Ngelale emphasized that these projects are creating direct employment opportunities and supporting the administration’s drive for foreign direct investment.
He stressed the importance of efficient implementation at both federal and state levels to avoid bureaucratic delays and ensure effective fiscal policies.
He also discussed the impact of a recent Supreme Court judgment granting fiscal autonomy to local government councils, describing it as “restructuring in practice.”
Ngelale urged Nigerians to be patient and observe how these changes will affect their livelihoods in the long run….Viêw_ More
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