Jigawa State governor, Umar Namadi of Jigawa, has told Nigerians to accept the harsh economic realities facing the country as an act of God.
Namadi, who was speaking against the background of planned protests slated for August 1, noted that the hardship is a trial from God. The governor voiced his opinion at a town hall meeting with 27 groups in Dutse. He acknowledged the economic hardship in the country, regretted that it had brought so many uncertainties.
“But protest is not the solution,” Namadai told the gathering.
“There are many ways people could express their grievances; people are at liberty to display their grievances through protest under democratic dispensation, but that isn’t the most effective way to address the problems.
“The protest alone will not provide the solutions; people should turn to God, repent, seek for forgiveness and divine intervention on the challenges.”
Mr Namadi said that the government had been doing enough in terms of providing food items and other materials, including distribution of cash, to cushion the effect of the hardships at all levels of government.
The governor also reminded the people that the federal government had recently approved the importation of food items into the country for five months without import duty.
Mr Namadi advised Nigerians to accept the hardships as a trial from God, adding that every Muslim believes in destiny whether good or bad.
The Police Commissioner in Jigawa, Tijjani Abdullahi, in a remark, warned those who insisted on participating in the proposed August 1 protest to have a second thought.
“The security agencies in the state are combat-ready to deal with anyone who wants to breach public peace and order,” he said.
Similarly, Brig.-Gen. Timilere Makintosh, the Commander, 26 Amoured Bridge Garrison, also expressed happiness over the peaceful coexistence in Jigawa and the leadership style of the governor, which had contributed to the promotion of peace.
Retired Khadi Bashir Ahmad, who is the chairman, Council of Ulama in Jigawa, said that the calamities and other related problems bedevilling the country were the results of sins committed by the people.
“Sons rape mothers; a son was caught trying to kill his father. Young people are engaged in kidnappings and armed robbery, all due to the influences of hard drugs and other substances.
“Citizens must quickly repent and seek God’s forgiveness and His intervention.
CAN chairman in Jigawa, Rev. Father Maurice Hassan, urged the government to do the needful by controlling the prices of commodities in order to prevent unpatriotic traders from raising prices without justification.
Mr Hassan declared that CAN would not be part of the protest, adding that the association would support and promote peaceful coexistence among residents.
The CAN chairman also called on the government to find a lasting solution to the challenges in the country. NAN
