THE Vice President, Kashim Shettima, stated yesterday that now is the time to tackle problems rather than protest, as the Federal Government announced its involvement in the Grand Challenges Nigeria project, a global health initiative focused at combating malnutrition and food insecurity in Nigeria.
He made the statement during a high-level meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Shettima highlighted the importance of productive action over protest, albeit acknowledging the hardships that Nigerians are facing as a result of recent economic reforms, particularly the loss of gasoline subsidies.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President of Media, Stanley Nkwocha, confirmed this in a statement.
“This is the time for us to solve our problems, not to protest. the right to protest is guaranteed in most democracies around the world, but when you can start the agitation, and you don’t know where it will end, it is a road to anarchy,” he said.
“We appreciate what Nigerians are going through, and our heart goes out to them. The oil subsidy has been an albatross on our neck for 50 years. Once the harvests start coming, we believe it will have a positive effect on the common man.
“I wish to call on you to advocate for diplomacy, engagement, and patience. the president is very much committed to the Nigerian project but it’s like a percolation project.”