The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajuddeen Abbass has appealed to Nigerians to suspend the ongoing nationwide protests, just as he assured that top officials of the government are currently discussing the issues affecting the country.
Abbbas, who made the appeal through a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Kirishi, said he has since reported the grievances and demands made by the youths to President Bola Tinubu after he engaged them at a town hall meeting on Wednesday, 31 July, 2024.
According to the statement, the Speaker made the disclosure during an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, following the ongoing protests by Nigerians, especially the youths, which began on Thursday, 1 August, 2024
Abbas explained how he led the House to engage with leaders and representatives of various youth organisations at the National Assembly, saying that he had fruitful deliberations with over 25 youth groups
He said they listened to the complaints and demands of the youths, assuring that he has communicated the same to President Tinubu to find solutions, assuring that “We have already started reporting what we discussed with the youths to the President. He was okay with our discussion, and he was equally happy with what we did. He also assured me that he would do his best to see that all the issues raised are well addressed one after the other.”
Abbas stated that they would continue to engage with the President on every issue that they knew would affect the lives of Nigerians so that necessary measures could be taken and called on all Nigerians, young and old, men and women, to be cautious and not allow the protests destroy the country.
He believed that Nigerians have the right to peaceful protest but lamented that history has shown that in most cases, even in advanced countries, unpatriotic elements hijack protests and cause the destruction of lives and property.
The Speaker also explained that the House is aware of the state of the nation and that the Tinubu administration is working hard to address insecurity, inflation, and unemployment in the country, adding that Nigerians will soon start seeing positive changes,
He said some ministers from key sectors were part of the engagement, where they offered explanations to the youth on what the government was doing to address their plight.
