AGS NEWS – The Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) has called for dialogue between the government and leaders of the planned August protests against economic hardships in Nigeria.

The OPC urged President Bola Tinubu to reverse the increased electricity tariff and reduce food and fuel prices as a gesture of goodwill.

In a statement on Tuesday by OPC President Otunba Wasiu Afolabi, the group emphasized the importance of non-violence and encouraged dialogue.

Afolabi stated, “A hungry man is an angry man. The government must crash the price of food, electricity, and fuel for peace to reign and for people to know that the government cares about their welfare.”

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The OPC also suggested that President Tinubu issue an Executive Order to open all borders in the South-West and South-South regions to facilitate the rapid inflow of food, which would help lower prices.

Afolabi highlighted the need for the government to focus on making the nation’s refineries operational to address the problem of inadequate and expensive petroleum products.

He questioned the ongoing maintenance issues with the nation’s refineries, pointing out that if Aliko Dangote could build a refinery in less than ten years, maintaining four existing refineries should not be an insurmountable task.

He called for the government to identify and apprehend those responsible for making life difficult for ordinary Nigerians.

Meanwhile, the civil rights group Liberty Movement of Nigeria has asked Nigerians to be patient with the Tinubu administration.

The group’s Convener, Olusola Edward, stated that dialogue is the best way to address social discontent and urged the government and protest organizers to avoid conflict and engage in discussions to maintain peace and order.

Edward praised President Tinubu’s mediation in the minimum wage crisis, showcasing his leadership in not taking Nigerians for granted.

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The Liberty Movement of Nigeria called on protest organizers to join the government in building a stronger nation and helping Nigeria achieve its potential as a leading global power.

Despite these appeals, the Take It Back Movement, one of the protest organizers, confirmed their intention to proceed with the nationwide protest on Thursday.

In response, security agencies, including the police, military, and civil defense, have deployed officers across states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, to ensure security during the planned protests.

The hashtag #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria continues to trend as Nigerians await Thursday’s developments.