SOKOTO: Govt dissociates self from planned nationwide protest

The decision was taken at the stakeholders’ interactive session which was attended by political, religious, and student union leaders as well as labour leaders among others held on Friday.

Governor Ahmed Aliyu disclosed their stand, stating the participants unanimously resolved not to participate in the protest because “it is counterproductive”.

“The governor expressed concern over the current hardship in the country occasioned by the economic downturn, inflation, and insecurity,” he said.

He highlighted some of the benefits his administration has rolled out to help cushion the effects of the hardship which include, payment of monthly salaries on the 19th of every month, palliatives distributions, fertilizers distribution, and cash gifts during festive periods amongst other things.

The state government also reiterated its commitment to partner with all parties involved to ensure peace reigns in the state and says he’s optimistic that the measures taken by President Bola Tinubu would soon lead this country out of its current challenges.

The representatives of various religious groups, labour, and students who spoke during the meeting assured the governor that their members would not participate in the protest because it was against their religion and culture.

Other participants at the meeting include the Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, Bello Goronyo, and the state leader of All Progressives Congress (APC) Aliyu Wamakko among others.