In a bid to stave off anticipated nationwide protests spurred by economic difficulties, President Bola Tinubu has engaged in critical discussions with Nigeria’s traditional rulers. The gathering at the State House in Abuja brought together prominent figures such as the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Abubakar III, and the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, to strategize on addressing public discontent and maintaining national stability.
The meeting, attended by key government officials including Vice-President Kashim Shettima, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Finance Wale Edun, and Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Atiku Bagudu, aimed to harness the influence of traditional leaders to mitigate rising tensions. Additionally, Governors AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara and Hope Uzodimma of Imo, representing the Nigerian Governors’ Forum and the Progressive Governors’ Forum respectively, participated, signaling broad political and regional engagement.
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While the specific details of the meeting’s agenda were not publicly disclosed, it is widely believed to be a strategic effort to enlist the support of these influential leaders in defusing the unrest. The planned protests, driven by pervasive economic dissatisfaction, have garnered considerable attention, prompting the government to seek collaborative measures to prevent escalation.
The president’s outreach follows earlier consultations with All Progressives Congress (APC) governors, who have urged citizens to avoid participating in the protests due to concerns about potential violence and exploitation by other factions. The United Nations has also issued cautions about the risks of violence if the protests are not carefully managed. The involvement of traditional rulers is seen as a crucial step in fostering peace and ensuring a stable response to the economic crisis.