Ogra issued a detailed statement addressing the current situation in response to recent criticisms and public discourse surrounding protests and governance in Nigeria.
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Recall that the SSA was heavily criticised on social media for allowing the opposition and “Obidients,” apologists of a former presidential candidate, to run amok by reducing his duty to birthday celebrations and goodwill messages.
The statement, titled “Governance & Grievance – A Perspective,” highlights the administration’s commitment to upholding constitutional rights and ensuring a prosperous future for the nation.
Ogra emphasised the constitutional right of Nigerians to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, identifying the government’s duty to protect these rights while also ensuring public safety and order.
He expressed concerns about certain elements within the protest movements who have called for destruction and chaos, urging protest leaders to distance themselves from such rhetoric.
“To the protest leaders, can you confidently say you have a grip on the behaviour of those you have sought to join you in the protests? To those who have chosen to join the protests, can you confidently say you are fully aware of the plans—seen and unseen—of those mobilising you to demonstrate?” Ogra questioned.
He further highlighted the achievements of the Tinubu-Shettima administration, including stabilising foreign reserves, reducing inflation, and implementing key economic initiatives like the student loans scheme and P-CNG Initiative.
Ogra noted the administration’s focus on providing good governance and enhancing security, with significant reductions in incidents of internal insurrection and kidnappings.
The statement also addressed concerns about foreign companies leaving Nigeria, clarifying that while some departures have occurred, new foreign and local investors have taken their place.
Ogra pointed to the positive impact of recent presidential directives on the energy sector, citing the USD550 million Ubeta Gas Development project as an example of renewed international confidence in Nigeria.
In concluding, he reiterated President Tinubu’s commitment to grassroots governance and financial autonomy for local governments.
He assured Nigerians that the administration remains focused on stabilising the economy and safeguarding the future of the nation.
“President Bola Tinubu is not beholden to any special interests and will always put the interests of Nigerians first,” Ogra asserted.
Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.
