A former women leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the executive director of Business Development at the Nigerian-Export Import Bank (NEXIM), Stella Okotete, has warned that fifth columnists are planning to hijack the proposed nationwide protest over the hardship in the country.
She said the fifth columnists are politicians who are set to pull down the President Bola Tinubu-led government because they have lost out.
She stated this while appealing to aggrieved Nigerian youths to rethink their decision to embark on the proposed protest.
Okotete however assured that President Tinubu is working hard to build a stronger economy that will bring prosperity to all its citizens.
The statement reads in parts: “It is imperative to be circumspect at this crucial time by being strategic. The saying goes that peace is better than war. Let us give this government a little chance to carry out its agenda.
The economic policies of this government are yielding results gradually and steadily. The optimal result is not what can be experienced overnight.
It will require a little time from now to start experiencing the economic prosperity and transformation promised by this government in the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“It is on this score that I most humbly appeal to all those planning to protest next week to reconsider this plan. The consequences of such protest are dire as it may as usual lead to wanton destruction of lives and properties in a regrettable manner. This is the time to dialogue and not to provide an avenue for the enemies of Nigeria to strike.
“I implore you all to think twice and consider the population of our country and the peculiarity of the food chain of our country whereby a slight cut off of food supply from the north will trigger food shortage and inflation.
“It solemnly hoped that we will heed to the plea of the government to give peace a chance and come to the negotiation table. God bless Nigeria.”
Noting that the challenge in Nigeria is part of a global crisis, she said the situation has called for the concerns of great compatriots who are determined to push for urgent and drastic measures to address the difficult situation.
“As a young Nigerian myself, I understand your pain, many country men are feeling the rising cost of living and are currently dissatisfied with the pace at which the government is responding to the rising cost of living and inflation.
“But trust me, the Government is working hard to build a stronger economy that will bring prosperity to all its citizens,” she added.
