The Federal Government has called an emergency meeting today, Wednesday, to address the planned nationwide protest scheduled for August 1.
This announcement follows President Bola Tinubu’s appeal to protest organizers to postpone the demonstrations, allowing his administration more time to implement measures aimed at improving citizens’ lives.
The Punch received a circular on Tuesday from informed sources regarding the meeting.
The circular indicated that key figures invited to the meeting include George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation; Hadiza Bala-Usman, Special Advisor to the President on Policy and Coordination; Bayo Onanuga, Special Advisor on Information and Strategy; and Sunday Dare, former Minister of Youth and Sports.
The circular, dated July 23, 2024, and signed by Richard Pheelangwah, Permanent Secretary of the Cabinet Affairs Office, was titled “Planned Nationwide Protest.”
It stated: “I am directed to invite you to attend a meeting with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation on the above subject scheduled as follows: July 24, 2024, Time: 10 am prompt, Venue: Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation Conference Room.
“Attendance is mandatory. Please accept the warm regards of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.”
This urgent meeting comes in response to widespread calls for protests on August 1, driven by escalating living costs and economic difficulties attributed to the Tinubu administration’s recent economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira.
