In Statewide Broadcast, Otti Expresses Abia’s Opposition To August 1 Nationwide Protest

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

With two days to the planned nationwide protest against hunger in the country, Governor Alex Otti has insisted that violence and associated acts are not options.

Rather, he has sued for dialogue just as he assured Abia residents of the commitment of his Government to protect lives and properties.

The Source reports that a Nationwide protest to drive home the excruciating hardship in the country  has been scheduled to begin on August 1, 2024.

The organizers, who so far have largely remained nebulous have billed the action for a period of ten days.

But Governor Otti, in a statewide broadcast on Monday, July 30,2024, particularly called on the youths of the State to explore higher principles in the expression of any misgivings they may be having concerning the present situation in the land.

He urged them to embrace self-respect, as well as shun any temptation to engage in violent activities that may, in the long run prove to be counter- productive.

The Governor noted that with the massive infrastructural renewal recorded in  Abia in the last one year, aided by a peaceful environment, there is no need to engage in any negative disruptive actions in the State.

To this end, he called on parents, community and religious leaders to join hands in persuading their children, subjects and followers on the need to distance themselves from any acts capable of endangering the fragile peace in the state in particular, and the entire country at large.

He maintained that the youths, and residents should strive to resist the urge to be tools for the creation of disharmony and strife in Abia state .

While acknowledging the prevailing harsh economic situation in the country, Otti however, pointed out that concerted efforts are being made by his administration to improve the wellbeing of the citizens.

He promised to sustain and widen the recently introduced empowerment funds for small businesses in the state.

With the first set of 9 ,200  beneficiaries empowered with N1 billion last week, the Governor assured that more people will soon be accommodated.

Similarly, to cushion the effects of the excruciating situation on the state workforce, the Governor announced that he has commenced the payment of  N15,000 wage award.

His position re- echoes that of the South-east Governors Forum which last week registered its opposition to the August 1 Nationwide protest.

Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, speaking  after leading Anyim Pius Anyim, former President of the Nigerian Senate/Secretary to the Government of the Federation,  and Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State to a parley with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, said the South-east Governors are not in agreement with the planned Nationwide protest.

According to him, much as the Governors and the region acknowledge the realities on  ground, as well as the inalienable rights of the people to freely ventilate their feelings, they, however, express the fear that the protest might be hijacked by criminal elements to jeopardize the peace and security of the country.