FG Threatens To Deal With Foreign Nations Who Back Protesters

The Federal Government has threatened to take action against any country found to be supporting ongoing nationwide protests in the country.

The government’s position was articulated during a briefing of the diplomatic community in Abuja on Wednesday.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, told members of the Diplomatic Corps that the Nigerian government remains committed to maintaining law and order while respecting citizens’ rights to peaceful protest.

However, he made it clear that foreign interference in Nigeria’s domestic affairs would not be tolerated.

“While the government continues to work hard through various reforms to address challenges facing Nigeria and Nigerians, it is pertinent that no nation tolerates foreign interference in its domestic affairs and its citizens.

“Government will take appropriate action against any foreign entity residing in Nigeria found to have directly or indirectly supported protesters by whatever means or seeks to interfere in the internal affairs.

“Nigeria cherishes and will continue to value the cordial relationships that happily subsist between her, your countries and organisations and will not do anything to undermine or take for granted such relationships.

“Indeed, more than any time before now, we solicit your understanding and collaboration in the ongoing efforts of the government in addressing the economic challenges confronting the country.

“To achieve a better life for every Nigerian at home and abroad,” Tuggar said.

Recall that protests erupted in parts of the country against growing economic hardship and rising cost of living.

While acknowledging the legitimacy of citizens’ concerns, the government Tuggar said the government is wary of potential foreign influence that could exacerbate the situation.

The minister reassured the diplomatic community that President Bola Tinubu understands the grievances driving the protests and has promised to address them.

According to him, the current administration is committed to democratic principles, including freedom of assembly and expression, but will not hesitate to maintain peace and security.

The Federal Government’s position was further reinforced by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Mohammed Idris, who outlined various initiatives undertaken by the Tinubu administration to alleviate hardships faced by citizens.

These include the suspension of import duties on essential food items, a new National Minimum Wage of N70,000, and youth-focused intervention programmes.

“President Tinubu did not come to office to cause hardship or make life difficult for Nigerians.

“He has come to office with bold solutions to historical problems with determination to correct many poor policies and dysfunctional choices that have held us back as a nation for decades.

“When the first notices emerged that a nationwide protest was scheduled for August against the high cost of living, we saw it as an opportunity to engage with the Nigerian people, to listen and enlighten.

“These engagements predated the announcement of the protests. Since the administration came to office we initiated and sustained dialogue with Nigerians on different platforms.

“Such as the regular Ministerial Briefing Sessions, town hall meetings, social media engagements, media appearance and press releases among others.”

He restated that now is not the time for protests, advising that focus should be on allowing the government’s various initiatives and interventions to manifest fully, saying genuine reforms take some time.

Idris identified suspension of import duties and taxes on essential food items, new National Minimum Wage of N70, 000, Local Government autonomy and youth-focused intervention programmes to be among initiatives by the government.