Benin City, Nigeria – The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has appealed to Nigerians to postpone their planned nationwide protest and allow the Federal Government more time to address the economic hardships currently faced by the populace. The monarch’s appeal was made in a statement on Wednesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Osaigbovo Iguobaro.
In the statement, Oba Ewuare II also urged the Federal Government to expedite the implementation of its economic policies aimed at alleviating the present challenges.
“Arising from the emergency meeting of the National Executive Committee of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) held in Abuja on Monday, July 22, the Omo N’Oba wishes to appeal to the general public to give the Federal Government sufficient time to implement its economic policies aimed at alleviating the present hardship experienced by Nigerians,” the statement read.
The monarch specifically addressed those planning the August 1st nationwide protest, urging them to reconsider their plans. “The Omo N’Oba appeals to those planning the August 1st nationwide protest to shelve the plan. The Omo N’Oba also urges the Federal Government to intensify efforts in the implementation of its economic and security policies.”
The planned protest, which is gaining significant traction on social media, is set to take place across all states of the Federation, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. The organizers of the protest remain anonymous.
The economic crisis in Nigeria, marked by soaring prices of food and basic commodities, has been exacerbated by the government’s recent policies, including the removal of petrol subsidies and the unification of forex windows, leading to one of the country’s worst inflationary periods.
The Federal Government, along with the National Orientation Agency (NOA), the Nigeria Police Force, and the House of Representatives, has issued warnings against the planned demonstration. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Senator Ali Ndume have called on the President to address the demands of the discontented citizens, many of whom are youths.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday, cautioned that the planned protest could escalate into the kind of destruction witnessed during the EndSARS protest against police brutality and extrajudicial killings in October 2020.
As the nation grapples with economic challenges, the Oba of Benin’s call for patience and dialogue highlights the ongoing efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the current discontent.
