The Minister of State for Steel Development, Uba Maigari, has urged Nigerians to demand food items from their governors as the federal government has taken remedial measures to ensure that the hardship currently being experienced is addressed.
Maigari at a town hall engagement with stakeholders ahead of the protest against hunger and hardship in Taraba State disclosed that several tonnes of rice and fertilizers have been released to state governors for distribution.
He said that state governors have received the palliative items and should be questioned on the distribution strategy to the intended population.
According to him, “As journalists and professionals, do your job by asking state governors, starting from our brother here (Governor of Taraba State).
“The president directed the release of rice and fertilizers in large quantities directly to state governors, whether they are PDP, APC, or APGA.
“He has taken delivery of fertilizers the federal government sent to governors, and there is also rice delivered to governors across the country.
“These are some of the remedial measures, including the new minimum wage which has just been signed into law before the long-term economic programmes and policies of government begin to benefit all.
“As a government, we are not against protest because we are democrats, but we are appealing that the youths should be patient and avoid being used by proponents of division.”
Also, the Taraba State ALGON Chairman, Dr Aminu Jauro, appealed to residents of the state to shun the protests.
According to him, the proposed protest might undermine these ongoing efforts and paint a picture of disunity at a time when solidarity and support are crucial.
He said, “I urge the youths, women, clubs, and associations within Jalingo local government to acknowledge and support the positive strides of the Executive Governor, by refraining from participating in the scheduled protest.“Let us instead come together to engage in constructive dialogue, work collaboratively, and support the continuous progress of our state.”
THE WHISTLER reports that the August 1 to 10 protest has raised political tension across the country, with the President begging Nigerians to postpone their planned protests while asking for more time to deliver on his administration’s promises.