Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, has earnestly appealed to those planning nationwide protests, particularly the youth, to reconsider their actions for the sake of Nigeria and its citizens.
Addressing the nation, Speaker Abbas acknowledged the frustrations and challenges faced by Nigerians, especially the youth, and emphasized that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is tirelessly working to alleviate these issues.
Speaker Abbas expressed empathy for the economic and social difficulties currently affecting the country. He reassured the public that the Tinubu administration is dedicated to addressing these challenges and is actively implementing policies and programs to support Nigerian youth. Among these initiatives is the introduction of student loans to ease the financial burden of education and ensure access to academic opportunities for all.
Additionally, the government is focusing on providing funds for young entrepreneurs through various schemes, including the Consumer Credit Scheme, aimed at fostering innovation and enterprise. Efforts are also being made to prioritize job creation and skills development, ensuring that young Nigerians are equipped to become job creators rather than job seekers.
Speaker Abbas highlighted the proactive measures being taken by the House of Representatives to engage with the youth and ensure their voices are heard. The House is developing formal legislative mechanisms to facilitate continuous dialogue and consensus-building on key issues.
In his appeal, Speaker Abbas urged the organizers of the protests to avoid violence and instead embrace dialogue. He acknowledged the right to protest but emphasized the importance of using legitimate channels to express grievances and seek constructive solutions. He called on the planners to suspend their actions, allowing the government more time to address the nation’s challenges and engage in meaningful discussions.
The statement concluded with a reaffirmation of the House of Representatives’ commitment to working alongside the youth to secure a brighter future for Nigeria.
