Segun Ayinde, Abeokuta
As Nigeria marks 64 years Independent Day Anniversary, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State on Tuesday called on the citizenry particularly the people of the state not to align with those embarking on the #FearlessInOctober protest against hunger and economic hardship in the country occasioned by fuel subsidy removal.
Already, a high court sitting in Abeokuta, the state capital, had restricted members of the #Fearless in October protest groups in the state to the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, Gateway International Stadium in Sagamu and Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu Ode as well as Ansar-Ud-Deen Comprehensive High School, Ota, ahead the Independent Day Celebration.
But, Abiodun while addressing residents on the occasion of the Independent Day Celebration at the Arcade Group, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, said that embarking on the protests would not resolve anything except chaos and destruction of government properties, urging the protesters and other Nigerians to join hands together with President Bola Tinubu administration in making the nation better.
He insisted that Nigeria economy would have bankrupted to the loss of N5.4 trillion by the end of 2024, if the federal government did not remove subsidy on fuel, imploring the people of the state and the entire country to be patient with Tinubu economic policies to addressing challenges of inflation, hunger and cost of living, expressing hope that Nigeria would emerge better and stronger from the hardship.
The governor, who asked Nigerians to continue to stand firm in unity despite cultural and ethnic diversity, charged them to maintain a fighting spirit like the founding fathers and heroes, who in the face of adversities fought for the country’s Independence, noting that Nigeria remains the only hope for the African continent.
He said, “Let us not align with those who seek to fuel discord by advocating for protests, violence, and civil disobedience—actions that lead only to vandalism, wanton destruction and possible anarchy . Instead, let us engage constructively and work with the government, knowing that this is an inclusive administration that does not intend to unduly burden its citizens.
“Under the leadership of our esteemed President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, the federal government has swiftly implemented bold and deliberate audacious measures aimed at repositioning the economy and preventing us from bankruptcy. These initiatives, though necessary, come with some measures of sacrifice. As the saying goes ‘there is no gain without some pain,’ and we must persevere, for there is light at the end of the tunnel.
“If unchecked, the subsidy of petrol could cost the nation ₦5.4 trillion by the end of 2024. We are essentially subsidizing our neighboring countries, when these funds could instead be invested in critical infrastructure and social services or even targeted at food inflation and wage increments. Therefore, let us remain resilient, continue to pray, persevere, and trust in Almighty God.
“Today, as we celebrate our sovereignty, we also honor our unity, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of the Nigerian people. It is our diversity that defines us and strengthens us as a great nation. Sixty-four years ago, our forebears stood valiantly in the face of immense adversity, fighting for a Nigeria that would rise among the community of nations.
“These heroes, whose sacrifices remain unforgettable, envisioned a land where every citizen enjoys the fruits of our rich resources, where peace reigns and where the dreams of future generations are nurtured. In our 64-year journey as a nation, we have achieved numerous milestones. Nigeria continues to be a symbol of strength, unity, and hope for the African continent. It is essential to remember that our resilience as a people has always been greater than our challenges.”