Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Chief Government Ekpemupolo (a.k.a Tompolo) has beckoned on organizers of the proposed ‘Hardship Strike’ to listen to well-meaning Nigerians’ call to shelve the action.
While conceding to citizens’ right to protest, Ekpemupolo, Alias Tompolo, noted that the ongoing hardship in the country did not start from the past year of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that it was long in the making.
He said: “I wish to add my voice to all well-meaning Nigerians, including our revered traditional rulers, on the call to shelve the proposed hardship protest billed to start on August 1, 2024.
“It is true that there is hunger and hardship in the country. However, it must be pointed out that hunger and hardship did not start today.
“President Tinubu is working hard to revamp the economy with well-thought-out policies and programmes in addressing the issues of the economy and security, which are the basis of other problems in the country.
“I am aware of Mr. President’s efforts to get things right in the country, and truly things are getting better. For instance, there has been a great improvement in the oil and gas sector in the last year, which is still the main source of our economy.”
“I am aware of the right of the citizenry to protest government policies and programmes in any country. It is one sure way for the citizens to participate effectively in governance, by checking the excesses of any government.
“However, the organizers must know that the timing is wrong; the protest may cause more harm than good, as security reports have indicated that the protest will be hijacked by unscrupulous elements.
“Against this background, I have joined other Patriotic Nigerians to appeal to prospective protesters to call off the proposed protest and engage governments at all levels to find lasting solutions to the country’s problems. You must agree that the threat of protest only has achieved its aim, as Mr. President has said loud and clear, that he has heard the voices of prospective protesters.