Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno state has cautioned that nationwide protests could spell disaster for Nigeria, urging citizens to refrain from actions that may worsen the country’s current hardships.
During a town hall meeting in Maiduguri on Wednesday, Mr. Zulum addressed a diverse audience that included religious leaders, political figures, trade union representatives, students, and civil society members.
He emphasised the need to maintain the fragile stability in Borno, a state that has endured 13 years of insurgency and is now gradually experiencing peace.
“Any break of law and order will be a disaster for us. I am appealing not only to the people of Borno State but to all Nigerians to shun any protests that would only bring further hardship,” Mr. Zulum stated.
The governor called for citizens to engage in “positive dialogue” rather than resorting to protests. He reassured the audience that both federal and state governments are working diligently to alleviate the economic difficulties affecting the populace.
“Let us engage in positive dialogues. The Federal and state governments are doing everything possible to reduce the hardships Nigerians are enduring,” Mr. Zulum added.
His comments come amid planned nationwide protests in August, sparked by severe economic challenges that have intensified since President Bola Tinubu took office.
President Tinubu inherited a debt profile of N46 trillion from the previous administration, according to the Debt Management Office.
While economic hardship existed before his presidency, Mr. Tinubu’s policies, including the removal of the fuel subsidy and the decision to float the naira, have resulted in a surge in petrol prices from N145 to N710 per litre and a plunge in the naira to approximately N1,500 to the dollar.
