The Chairman of the Southeast Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, has expressed strong opposition to the planned nationwide strike against President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The governor who belongs to the ruling All Progressives Congress warned that the protest could be ill-timed and dangerous.
Addressing State House correspondents on Wednesday after meeting with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Uzodinma emphasised that the current political climate in Nigeria is too fragile for such actions.
Uzodinma, joined by former Senate President Pius Anyim and Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru, highlighted the potential for the protest to be hijacked by criminal elements, referencing the EndSARS protests.
“Democracy is about the opinion of the people and the protest is allowed in a democratic setting. Every protest must be reasonably conceived to be able to make political sense,” he stated.
The governor questioned the motives behind the proposed protests, pointing out the lack of clear reasons from those organizing the strike.
He argued that in the face of global instability and national insecurity, the country could not afford further disruptions.
“We have a very fragile political environment that if not managed and protected very well, may collapse the entire country,” Uzodinma warned.
Drawing parallels with the EndSARS protests, Uzodinma cautioned that the planned strike could similarly be hijacked, leading to unintended consequences.
He called on Nigerians to be cautious and consider the broader implications of their actions.
“Like the ENDSARS experience, where criminals hijacked an innocently conceived agitation by young Nigerians, this is another kind of temptation that I think those behind the protests have not been able to come out openly to say they’re behind it,” he said.
In a related development, Pius Anyim, who recently defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), was formally introduced to President Tinubu by Governors Uzodinma and Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi
Uzodinma described Anyim’s defection as a significant boost for the ruling party, particularly in the Southeast, a region previously dominated by the PDP.
He cited the recent local government elections in Ebonyi State, where the APC won overwhelmingly, as evidence of the ruling party’s growing influence.
“We have started harvesting from it,” Uzodinma remarked, noting that the former Senate President’s move to the APC was a clear sign that the government and party are performing well.
He emphasised that the defections and unanimous support for the APC reflect the people’s confidence in the party’s leadership.
Governor Nwifuru echoed Uzodinma’s sentiments, celebrating Anyim’s decision to join the APC and highlighting it as a testament to the ruling party’s success.
He dismissed suggestions that Anyim’s move was driven by personal gain, stating, “Pius Anyim is not a small fry and is not looking for food. His defection is based on the disposition of Mr. President and the leadership of our party in the state and the Southeast.”
Anyim, explaining his decision to leave the PDP, emphasized the need for unity and collective effort in addressing Nigeria’s challenges.
“Given the turbulent times our country is facing, it is the duty of every patriot to ensure a peaceful atmosphere that will engender progress,” Anyim said.
He underscored the importance of contributing to the country’s stability and progress, regardless of political affiliation.
