Give Tinubu more time, APC Chairmen appeal to Nigerians

Give Tinubu more time, APC Chairmen appeal to Nigerians

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja 

The Forum of All Progressives Congress (APC) States Chairmen, has appealed to Nigerians to give President Bola Ahmed Tinubu more time to implement his Renewed Hope Agenda policies and programs aimed at addressing the country’s economic challenges.

Speaking at a press briefing held at the APC National Headquarters in Abuja, on Monday, the Forum’s Secretary, Alphonsus Ogar Eba, said that despite the challenges facing the country, the APC chairmen are optimistic that the president’s policies will soon yield positive results.

The appeal is coming on the heels of recent agitations for nationwide protests to express citizens’ grievances over the economic situation and hunger perceived to be the ripple effects of bad governance in the country, which has dominated the public space in recent days.

While several stakeholders have been expressing fear over the impending dangers of the protests, calling for its cancellation, many activists and social commentators such as Aisha Yesufu, Deji Adeyanju, and Omoyele Sowore, among others, have expressed their support, insisting the country can’t afford to maintain the status quo.

Reacting to the development, the Forum commended Nigerians for their tolerance, while calling on the organizers of the planned protests to sheath their swords.

“We want to commend Nigerians for their patience and tolerance over the past year. We are also appealing to them to give Mr. President more time to implement his policies and programs. We believe that with more time, the country will begin to see positive changes,” Eba said.

Eba also cautioned against protest, saying that it could be hijacked by unpatriotic elements who want to perpetrate violence and undermine the government.

“We want to assure Nigerians that protest is a constitutional right when done through the rule of law. However, security reports have shown that this protest could be hijacked by some individuals with sinister motives. We urge all Nigerians to remain vigilant and resist any attempt to intimidate them into unorganized protests that could endanger the peace we currently enjoy as a nation,” he said.

The APC chairmen also lauded President Tinubu’s efforts in addressing various challenges facing the country, including the economic crisis, insecurity, and corruption.

“We want to commend Mr. President for his efforts in addressing these challenges. His policies such as the Students loan schemes, Consumer credit scheme, minimum wage award, CNG Vehicle conversion policy, and others are eloquent testimonials to his commitment to providing a better life for Nigerians,” Eba said.

The chairmen also announced that they would embark on a solidarity rally across all states and local government areas in two weeks’ time to echo Tinubu’s policies and programs.

“By this press briefing, we will embark on a peaceful rally across all structures of our party to re-echo President Tinubu’s policies and programs with greater vigor. We call on all party members and concerned Nigerians to join us in this rally to protect democracy and resist any attempt by hoodlums or criminal elements to carry out violent protests,” Eba said.

He therefore called on security agencies to stand by their oath to protect life and properties, and urged them to be proactive rather than reactive in their response to security threats.

“We call on all security agencies to please stand by their oath to protect life and properties. We humbly urge them to be proactive rather than being reactionary,” Eba said.