The Government of Cross River State has warned those planning to protest against the economic hardship and hunger facing the country.
Converseer reports that youths have announced that they will demonstrate on 1st August against the untold hardship the country is currently going through under President Bola Tinubu’s administration and one will be forced to say, “It is the worst the country has faced since the advent of democracy.”
In a press statement on Monday, Dr Erasmus Ekpang, Commissioner for Information, said, “Government of Cross River State has uncovered plans by some aggrieved youths in the State to join forces with their colleagues in other States of the Federation to protest massively from 1st August 2024 over the current general hardship being experienced by citizens across the Nation.”
He added that, “Government sympathises with the people over this untold hardship which has brought huge suffering to many families due to the high level of inflation and sky-rocketing prices of goods and services but with less disposable income. We sincerely apologise to all residents of our dear State even as the Government appreciates the enormity of the challenges.”
The statement went ahead to warn that,” Government will not fold its arms and allow any misguided group or individuals to destroy our State which is being reshaped by Governor Bassey Edet Otu.
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“Consequently, all Security Agencies are hereby directed to be on red alert to checkmate any untoward behaviour from any section of the State. All law-abiding residents are hereby advised to go about their normal businesses without any fear of molestation.”
Adding, “Government of Cross River State wishes to advise all residents of the State to drop any idea to join the planned protest as protesting has never been the best solution to resolving any problem including the current hardship in the land.”
Ekpang said the government has doled out intervention programmes and cash disbursements through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Ministry of Youths Development, Ministry of Agriculture, etc.
The statement recalls the huge destruction recorded in the State during the October 2020 #EndSARS mass protest allegedly perpetrated by non-indigenes, including the burning and breaking down of public infrastructure in Federal and State establishments.
“Government wishes to reassure all residents that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Renewed Hope Agenda and the People First administration of Governor Bassey Edet Otu are working round the clock to improve the economic fortunes of the people of Nigeria. Together, we can make our Country better,” the statement added.