The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammed Matawalle, has called on organizers of the August 1 protest to engage in dialogue with the government instead of proceeding with their plans.
In a statement released on Friday, July 26, Matawalle emphasized that President Bola Tinubu is open to discussions and encouraged protest leaders to come forward for constructive talks.
Matawalle highlighted the government’s commitment to peaceful resolutions, citing the recent agreement with the Organised Labour on minimum wage as an example of the administration’s dedication to dialogue.
The minister expressed concerns about the potential risks associated with the planned protest, warning that it could be exploited by individuals with disruptive intentions.
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He urged vigilance to prevent any attempts to destabilize the country, likening the situation to past incidents in Kenya and cautioning against similar unrest in Nigeria.
Matawalle underscored that while peaceful protest is a constitutional right, violence is unacceptable.
He reiterated that Nigeria’s laws, supported by international conventions, prohibit violent assemblies and are designed to ensure national security and public order.
The minister concluded by reminding the protest planners that their actions should not undermine the efforts of the Nigerian state to protect citizens and maintain law and order.
