The All Progressives Congress (APC) has cautioned parents to keep a close eye on their children’s movements to prevent them from being drawn into violent activities ahead of the planned nationwide protest.
This warning comes after the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, threatened to make arrests if the protest turns violent.
The protest, scheduled for August 1-10, has sparked tension and mixed reactions among Nigerians. The organizers cite the country’s economic hardship and soaring cost of living as reasons for the protest.
Following its 153rd National Working Committee meeting, APC National Secretary Senator Ajibola Basiru appealed to protesters to reconsider their plans, assuring them that the Federal Government is working to address the economic challenges.
Basiru also advised parents to ensure their children do not get involved in any illegal activities during the protest.
He said, “We noted that since coming on board in 2023, the government met quite several challenges, especially economic challenges, and Mr President is gradually implementing programmes and policies that would in the nearest future bring succour and relief to the citizens.
“The NWC noted that some issues highlighted by the protestants are political, while others are constitutional matters that can only be addressed through the amendment of the constitution, which is ongoing at the National Assembly.
“We, therefore, urge all those planning the protests to have confidence in Mr President’s unrelentless efforts at repositioning the economy, while assuring Nigerians that the challenges will sooner or later come to pass.
“The meeting urged parents and well-meaning Nigerians to monitor the movement of their children/wards so that they will not be used in causing chaos in the country.”
Continuing, the national secretary added that an emergency meeting of all Chairmen of the APC in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory has been called for ‘further discussions.’
Although he did not specify the date, it was gathered that the state party leaders would meet with the leadership of the APC at the secretariat on Friday.
This was also confirmed by the National Deputy Organising Secretary, Nze Chidi Duru, in an exclusive phone call with our reporter.
Duru, however, confided that the protest was not the sole reason for the meeting.
“Yes, the meeting is scheduled for Friday. That issue (protest), of course, and the State of the Nation,” he said.
