Alhaji Uba Maigari, Minister of State for Steel Development, has urged Nigerians to disregard inciting calls for violent protests and regime change under the guise of hunger protests, warning that such actions will only worsen the current hardships.
Speaking in Jalingo at a stakeholders’ meeting, Maigari, a former Deputy Governor of Taraba State, emphasized that while Nigerians have the constitutional right to protest, they should be wary of those who may exploit these opportunities to instigate chaos and instability.
The minister assured that the government is aware of the difficulties faced by citizens and is actively working on both immediate and long-term solutions to alleviate these challenges. He commended the people of Taraba State for their unity and support for the government, urging them to reject violent protests and maintain peace.
“The President is in touch with the concerns of Nigerians and is not insensitive to their plight,” Maigari stated. “He aligns with those agitating for protest but also has the constitutional duty to protect citizens who may not be involved in the protest. We are aware that people are aggrieved and want to protest, but the government is not against peaceful protest.”
He called on the people of Taraba to be patient, highlighting the actions being taken to address the situation. Maigari warned against being manipulated by anarchists and those seeking to create chaos, noting that some unpatriotic individuals are exploiting the current climate to threaten the government.
“The hardship we are experiencing is a global phenomenon,” he added. “I am not making excuses, but when you travel to other countries, you will see that we are navigating these tough times relatively well because Nigerians are brave, intelligent, and hardworking.”
The rally was attended by the former Governor of the State, Reverend Jolly Nyame, and other stakeholders, showcasing a unified stance against violence and in support of peace.
News Editor