The Federal Government has appealed to citizens planning a nationwide protest over food crisis and hunger, to remain calm and give peace.

The governmet says both President Bola Tinubu administration acknowledges the rights of every Nigerian to engage in protests.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the appeal after an emergency meeting of members of the Federal Executive Council, called by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, at his office in Abuja.

Idris emphasised that everyone is entitled to their opinion in a democracy, but urged protesters to be patient and give the government time to address their concerns.

He assured that President Tinubu is working tirelessly, and all hands are on deck to ensure that the government’s efforts benefit all Nigerians.

The minister reiterated the President’s message, urging Nigerians to calm down and give him more time to address their pleas.

Idris, explained why the Federal Government opposed planned protests over prevailing economic realities in Nigeria.

He said while Nigerians have the constitutionally guaranteed right to protest, the government was aware some people were planning to hijack the demonstration to cause trouble.

According to him, the government is equally committed to ensuring that these activities do not disrupt public order or violate the rights of others.

According to him, Tinubu is fully aware of the genuine concerns and complaints expressed by Nigerians across the nation and he is actively working to implement effective policies aimed at alleviating the challenges faced by the citizenry and bringing relief to all Nigerians.

The minister said Tinubu was fashioning out a policy of paying stipends to all young university and polytechnic unemployed graduates in the country pending their formal employment in any sector of the economy.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, reiterated the Nigerian government’s support for citizens’ right to peaceful protest, saying the President’s administration is committed to protecting democratic rights while calling for protests to be conducted in a manner that ensures public order and respects the rights of others.

The minister warned that any form of violence or disruption will not be tolerated, aiming to balance civil liberties with community safety, saying while the government recognises the right to protest, it is also committed to preventing violence and ensuring public safety.

Idris called on protesters to exercise their rights responsibly and peacefully, emphasising the importance of avoiding harm to others and maintaining social order.

He said the President supports the right to protest but opposes violence and actions that could harm Nigerians’ well-being, consistently asserts that within democratic principles, everyone has the right to pursue their own actions, provided these actions do not infringe upon the rights of others.

The minister’s statement follows plans by various groups to stage nationwide protests in response to the ongoing economic crisis.

Some Nigerians under #EndbadgovernanceinNigeria# have threatened to embark on protest over the prevailing economic hardship from 1st to 10th August, 2024.