By Uzair Adam Imam
An amalgamation of pro-democracy groups from the 19 Northern states, operating under the banner of Arewa Initiative for Defence and Promotion of Democracy, has dismissed recent protests staged against the Federal Government in Kano and Minna as “sponsored.”
Led by Professor Shehu Abdullahi Ma’aji, the groups attributed the challenging economic situation faced by Nigerians to the legacy of a faltering economy inherited by President Bola Tinubu from his predecessor.
In response to protests in Minna, Niger State, earlier this week, Ma’aji emphasized during a press conference in Abuja that such demonstrations were unwarranted, as the Tinubu-led government was actively addressing economic concerns.
He urged Nigerians to exercise patience and patriotism, emphasizing that it is premature to critique an eight-month-old government, particularly by individuals with vested interests.
Ma’aji called for cooperation with the administration’s efforts to tackle the twin challenges of economic instability and insecurity plaguing the nation.