Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi has called for a reconsideration of the planned nationwide protests, suggesting that it is not the solution to the country’s economic challenges.
Gov. Namadi acknowledged the severe economic hardship but encouraged the public to view it as a test from God, asserting that protests are not the most effective means to address the issues.
During a town hall meeting on Monday with 27 groups in Dutse, the governor urged citizens to turn to God, seek forgiveness, and pray for divine intervention.
“There are many ways people could express their grievances; people are at liberty to display their grievances through protest under democratic dispensation, but that is not the most effective way to address the problems,” he stated.
The governor explained the ongoing efforts by the governments to address the challenges, including duty-free importation of food items and provision of essential goods and cash aimed at alleviating the hardships. He emphasised that these policies are designed to improve people’s lives.
The Emir of Hadejia, Adamu Abubakar-Maje, also noted that street protests are contrary to the religion and tradition of the state. He urged demonstrators to choose peaceful means and to communicate their complaints through appropriate channels.
Similarly, the Emir of Dutse, Hamim Nuhu-Sanusi, warned against a repeat of the 2020 EndSARS protests, which he described as a dangerous precedent.
In addition, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) chairperson in Jigawa, Maurice Hassan, urged the government to establish a market price stabilising mechanism to prevent arbitrary food price hikes.
While criticising both government and the public for the food crisis, Hassan affirmed that CAN would not participate in the planned protest, as they are promoters of peaceful coexistence.
The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) in Jigawa, represented by Sanusi Alhassan, also distanced itself from the demonstration, urging the government to take measures to alleviate people’s suffering.
Jigawa Commissioner of Police, Ahmad Abdullahi, issued a stern warning to those insisting on protesting, emphasising the readiness of security agencies to counter any potential disruptions.
Additionally, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) chairperson, Abdullahi Garba, confirmed that the organisation would not partake in the protests, stressing the Association’s commitment to promoting peace in the state.
