Olorogun Ese Kakor, the President of the Neo Black Movement (NBM) of Africa, has called for the suspension of the planned nationwide protests. Instead, he urges youths to engage the Federal Government in dialogue to address critical issues concerning the wellbeing of the citizenry and secure commitments on their implementation.
Kakor appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently seek ways to alleviate the country's hardship by reviewing certain economic policies that impede the welfare of the masses and by implementing more friendly policies to accelerate economic recovery and improve living standards.
In a statement to newsmen in Warri, Kakor acknowledged the legitimacy of the grounds for protests but emphasized the importance of exploring all avenues of dialogue with the government before resorting to protests. "It is no longer news that the harsh economic situation in Nigeria is biting hard on the people; hence, the need for President Tinubu to alleviate the suffering in the country through a well-defined economic blueprint and roadmap," he said.
Kakor appealed to the President to consider short-term solutions to mitigate poverty and inflation while working on long-term strategies. He noted that President Tinubu has only been in office for one year, which is not enough to address all the issues plaguing the country. He also mentioned that high inflation rates are a global challenge and urged Tinubu to quickly address the rising prices of foodstuffs and the hyperinflation situation worsening living standards in Nigeria.
He called on President Tinubu to expedite the opening of borders, reduce custom duties to allow the free flow of goods and services, provide good roads to farmlands, and subsidize foodstuffs, education, healthcare, and housing. The Pan-Africanist Organization solicited immediate programs to address hunger, suffering, injustice, inequality, insecurity, and unemployment in the country.
Kakor passionately appealed to Nigerians to shelve their planned August 1st nationwide protest against the hike in food prices and suffering in the country, noting that the protest could be hijacked by hoodlums and turn into a riot. "No law enforcement agency will fold their hands and watch a protest turning into a riot," he warned, urging Nigerians to be patient and engage the nation's President through dialogue.
He emphasized that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the only President Nigeria has at the moment and needs the support of all Nigerians to elevate the economy. While acknowledging the recent hardship due to fuel subsidy removal, Kakor faulted the removal without policies to cushion its effects. He urged the government to address the issue of hardship before removing subsidies, fully aware of the economic impact on Nigerians.
"NBM of Africa wishes to appeal to Nigerians to give the Federal Government enough time to implement her economic policies that will alleviate the present hardship being experienced by the people," Kakor concluded.
