Tinubu moves to stop #EndBadGovernment protest, asks ministers to visit states

President Bola Tinubu has directed all federal ministers to visit their respective states between July 24 and August 1 in a bid to stop the planned #EndBadGovernment protest.

The protest, slated for August 1–10 and intended to condemn bad governance occasioned by the rising cost of inflation, has gained significant attention on social media.

Recall that an emergency meeting was held between the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and all ministers in Abuja on Wednesday morning.

Among other recommendations, the meeting discussed a planned national broadcast by President Tinubu.

Journalists were denied entry to the SGF Conference Room, the venue of the closed-door meeting; however, informed sources disclosed details of the discussion.

“All ministers were present. They suggested that there should be a national address. It was suggested that the president himself should do it. But the suggestion will have to reach the president first.

“They also asked ministers to put together three key achievements they have made in the past year. They will compile these achievements and present them to Nigerians.

“In fact, tomorrow (today), the Minister of Finance will be briefing the media on the state of the economy. But those achievements will be compiled for a separate presentation.”

“The government stands for dialogue. They will get the leaders of the protest to meet with the government for discussions.

“All the ministers will also go back to their states to engage their people so they won’t be misled into joining the protests. That is between now and the protest date.

“Some have been engaging their people before. But this time, everyone has been asked to go back there,” a source told The Punch Newspaper.

Some ministers are expected to join state governors at the 143rd session of the National Economic Council, scheduled to be held at the Council Chamber of the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja on Thursday (today).

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has reiterated its commitment to improving the security and protection of lives and property at the sub-national level.

In a communiqué signed by its Chairman, Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, made available to journalists on Thursday, the NGF emphasised the importance of implementing robust security measures to ensure the safety and well-being of citizens within their respective states.

This announcement followed the forum’s meeting early Thursday morning.

NGF received a presentation from the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Mohammed Pate, on the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Programme.

He provided updates on the Sector-Wide Approach, the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund, Primary Health Care revitalization, and National Supply Chain Management.

The governors reiterated their commitment to enhancing health outcomes for all Nigerians.

The communique read in part, “The NGF received a briefing from the National Security Adviser’s office on the current security situation in the country. The NSA noted the growing momentum for a planned protest demanding government attention.

“The NSA is committed to supporting the governors in improving security architecture at the subnational level. The governors thanked the NSA and reinstated its commitment to enhance the security of lives and properties at the subnational level.

“Members received the new Country Director of the World Bank, Mr. Ndiame Diop, and his team. They introduced themselves to the Forum and presented the bank’s various programmes currently being implemented in the states, including HOPE (Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equality), Food and Nutrition Security, and SPIN (Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigerian Products).

“Members welcomed the new Country Director and his team, assured them of the governors’ continued support, and expressed their willingness to support the programme implementation across the country.”

The 36 state governors were also briefed by the body of State Attorneys General on the July 11 Supreme Court judgment, which affirmed the financial independence of the 774 local governments.

It continued, “Members received a briefing from the body of Attorneys General of the 36 states on the Supreme Court ruling on the financial autonomy of local governments.

“Members received a briefing from the Nigerian Bar Association on the recent change in the association’s leadership and other initiatives. The NBA expressed their commitment to working with the States in defence of our democracy and the rule of

“The governors highlighted the importance of such a revered association and the role they play in ensuring effective governance. They assured the governors of their continued collaboration and readiness to provide the necessary support.