The administration of President Bola Tinubu has implemented several measures to prevent the planned 10-day hunger protest, scheduled from August 1 to 10. The protest, organized by some Nigerians, aims to address issues of bad governance and economic hardship. Here’s a summary of the actions taken:
1. **Sale of 50kg Bag of Rice for N40,000**: The Federal Government established centers nationwide where Nigerians can purchase a 50kg bag of rice for N40,000. This initiative is intended to alleviate the cost of living.
2. **N50,000 Stipends for Youths in the Niger Delta**: President Tinubu approved a monthly stipend of N50,000 for youths in the Niger Delta to help mitigate economic challenges. This was announced by Senate President Godswill Akpabio at the Niger Delta Sensitisation Conference.
3. **Suspension of Import Duties on Food**: To combat inflation, President Tinubu suspended import duties on food products, aiming to reduce the financial burden on citizens.
4. **Crude Oil Sale in Naira**: Tinubu directed the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited to sell crude oil to the Dangote refinery and other new refineries in naira. This move is expected to lower the prices of domestically refined petroleum products.
5. **Meeting with APC Governors**: The President convened a meeting with All Progressives Congress (APC) governors through the Progressives Governors Forum at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, to discuss strategies to address the growing calls for protests.
6. **Emergency Meetings with Traditional Rulers and Ulamas**: Tinubu held emergency discussions with prominent traditional rulers and Islamic scholars at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, as part of efforts to prevent the nationwide hunger protest.
Additional context includes warnings from Mujahid Asari-Dokubo, a former Niger Delta freedom fighter, advising against protests in the Niger Delta, and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, urging protest organizers to coordinate with local police to maintain peace.
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