Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi has discouraged the planned nationwide protest scheduled for August 1, suggesting it is not the solution to Nigeria’s current challenges. Speaking at a town hall meeting with various groups in Dutse, Namadi emphasized that protests alone cannot address the issues facing the country.
He acknowledged the widespread economic hardship but advised that people should turn to God for guidance and intervention rather than protesting. Namadi highlighted government efforts to mitigate the hardships, including food distribution and the recent approval for duty-free food imports.
The governor’s stance was echoed by other local leaders, including Police Commissioner Tijjani Abdullahi, who warned against any attempts to breach public peace, and Brig.-Gen. Timilere Makintosh, who praised the governor’s peaceful leadership. Additionally, the Council of Ulama Chairman, Retired Khadi Bashir Ahmad, attributed the country’s problems to moral failings and called for repentance.
Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Chairman Rev. Father Maurice Hassan and National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Chairman Abdullahi Garba also distanced their organizations from the protest, advocating for peaceful coexistence and calling on the government to address rising commodity prices.
Emirs Muhammad Hameem of Dutse and Adamu Maje of Hadejia joined in urging Nigerians to seek alternative, lawful channels for expressing grievances, reinforcing the message that the protest is not seen as a constructive solution in Jigawa State.