By Luminous Jannamike

A coalition of northern groups has thrown its weight behind President Bola Tinubu, rejecting plans for a nationwide protest against his administration.

The groups, representing the 19 northern states, announced their decision after an emergency meeting held on Sunday in Abuja to discuss the state of the nation.

In a communiqué signed by Comrade Danladi Usman, Coordinator of the coalition, the groups described the planned protest as ‘ill-conceived and counterproductive,’ and urged Nigerians to shun the rally.

The groups praised Tinubu’s administration for taking concrete measures to address the country’s economic challenges, including the implementation of the National Development Plan and the establishment of the Presidential Economic Advisory Council.

The document reads, “We wish to categorically distance ourselves and the entire Northern region from the planned nationwide protest scheduled for August 1.

“We reject the call for protest and urge our members and the general public to shun the rally, which we believe is ill-conceived and counterproductive.

“We denounce those behind the planned rally, who are bent on causing chaos and destabilizing the country. Their actions are unpatriotic and selfish, and we urge them to desist from fanning the ember of division in the country.

“Furthermore, we condemn the orchestrators of the planned protest for their lack of understanding of the global economic situation.

“The current economic meltdown is not unique to Nigeria; it is a global phenomenon that requires collective efforts to address. We urge them to educate themselves on the subject matter before embarking on a mission to mislead Nigerians.

“The Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, is taking concrete measures to address the economic challenges facing the country.

“The government has implemented policies aimed at stimulating economic growth, creating jobs, and reducing the cost of living.

“Some of the measures taken by the government include the implementation of the National Development Plan, which aims to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on oil exports.

“The government has also established the Presidential Economic Advisory Council, which comprises experts who provide advice on economic matters.

“Additionally, the government has taken steps to improve the business environment, reduce corruption, and increase transparency and accountability.

“We reaffirm our support for President Tinubu’s administration and urge Nigerians to shun the planned protest.

“We emphasise that the government is on the right path, and with the support of all Nigerians, the country will overcome its current challenges and achieve greatness.”