Anti-Govt Protest: Lawmakers plead For Patience, Accept 50% Salary Cut

Reps Donate Half Salaries, Urge Youths to Shun Violence

In response to growing economic hardship, the House of Representatives has taken a bold step by donating 50% of their salaries for six months to support the Federal Government’s intervention efforts.

This decision was made during Thursday’s plenary, following a motion of urgent importance appealing to the proponents of the proposed nationwide anti-govt protest to maintain peace and engage in dialogue with the government.

Calls for Peaceful Engagement

The motion, sponsored by Ibrahim Isiaka of Ogun State, emphasised the constitutional right of Nigerians to protest but urged for a peaceful approach.

Isiaka stated, “The citizens of Nigeria have the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and protest to address their grievances but the House is pleading for reason, understanding, and unity in the face of adversity.”

He continued, “This honourable House appeals to the proponents of the proposed nationwide protest in Nigeria to consider a different path, a path of patience, dialogue, and collaboration, prioritise peace and open channels for meaningful engagements with the government at all levels.”

Economic Hardship Sparks Protests

Reports of an impending nationwide mass protest have emerged, driven by dissatisfaction with the high cost of living, food scarcity, and unemployment.

A viral flyer on social media announced the protest scheduled for August 1, reflecting the urgency felt by many Nigerians.

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While acknowledging the legitimacy of the complaints, Isiaka and other lawmakers urged the youths to give the government time to address these issues.

“The desire for change, progress, and a better tomorrow is a sentiment that unites us all,” Isiaka added.

Deputy Speaker’s Appeal

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu proposed that lawmakers sacrifice half of their salaries to support government efforts.

“Our salary is N600,000 a month. I want to plead that we let go of 50 per cent of our salary for six months,” Kalu said, emphasising the need for collective sacrifice during challenging times.

He assured the public that the current administration is working diligently to overcome the nation’s difficulties. “The challenges will not be there forever,” Kalu said, urging young Nigerians to seek solutions through dialogue rather than protests.

Broader Perspective on Protests

Other lawmakers echoed these sentiments. Ahmed Jaha from Borno State noted that the country’s challenges are the result of many years of neglect and cannot be resolved overnight.

“It takes a reasonable period to correct what was damaged over a long time. There is always light after the tunnel,” he said.

Delta State’s Ngozi Okolie called for collective effort in addressing the nation’s problems. “Let us join hands to salvage the situation,” he said, highlighting successful interventions from the past.

Local Leaders Urge Calm

Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago assured that the state’s youths would not join the planned protests.

Speaking at a town hall meeting in Minna, Bago emphasized peaceful dialogue and announced measures to alleviate food prices.

“We have over 100,000 metric tonnes of food in our reserves out of which we will be releasing 50,000 metric tonnes to be sold at 50 percent of its present price,” he said.

The Emir of Bida and Chairman of the Council of Traditional Rulers in Niger State, Abubakar Yahaya, also urged youths to refrain from protesting.

The Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, emphasised engaging youths in productive programs instead.

NGO Warns Against Protest

A non-governmental organisation, Community Advocacy for Peace and Strategic Leadership Initiative (CAPSLI), raised concerns about the planned nationwide protest.

The group warned that protests could lead to violence and worsen the current situation. “

From experience garnered over the years, there is the possibility that hoodlums and other enemies of progress will infiltrate the ranks of the protesters, thereby hijacking the process,” CAPSLI stated.

The organization called for public support of government initiatives aimed at alleviating the economic hardships faced by Nigerians.

As the nation grapples with economic challenges, the call for peaceful engagement and dialogue is paramount.

Lawmakers, local leaders, and NGOs are urging Nigerians to prioritise patience and collaboration to navigate these trying times and work towards a more prosperous future.