Chief Ayirimi Emami, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, has defended President Bola Tinubu amidst widespread hunger and hardship in the country.
Addressing journalists during the Ologbotsere Day Celebration in Ubeji, Warri South Local Government Area, Emami said the current administration is not to blame for the prevailing economic difficulties.
Acknowledging the severity of the hardship facing many Nigerians, Emami attributed the cause to the “wrong foundation” inherited by President Tinubu from his predecessor in 2023.
He stated that the economic challenges are a result of long-standing issues that the current government is now working to resolve.
“Hunger and economic hardship were part of the problems that President Tinubu inherited,” Emami stated.
He added: “The administration is battling with these challenges, which were not of its own making.”
Emami’s comments come in the wake of growing unrest and planned nationwide protests against hunger and poor economic conditions.
While he recognized the right to protest as a fundamental part of democracy, he criticized the approach of the protest organizers, urging them to exercise caution and ensure their actions remain peaceful.
“Protest is an ingredient of any democratic process, but the organizers of the planned nationwide protest against hunger are going about it the wrong way,” Emami warned.
“Anything contrary to peaceful demonstration will make the planned protest counterproductive,” he stated.
He further advised the protesters to avoid allowing hoodlums to hijack their efforts, which could lead to violence and undermine their cause.
“The president is working out modalities to tackle hunger head-on and ensure that citizens have better welfare.
“It’s crucial that any protest remains orderly and does not devolve into chaos,” he concluded.