..Seeks more time for Tinubu

By Omeiza Ajayi

The Alumni Association of the National Institute for Security Studies AANISS, the elite training arm of the Department of State Services DSS, has acknowledged the economic challenges being faced by Nigerians but cautioned against filing out on the streets, saying it could be hijacked by hoodlums to cause mayhem.

President of the Institute and a retired director at the DSS, Sir Mike Ejiofor fsi, gave the charge in a statement issued Thursday in Abuja.

He requested for more time for President Bola Tinubu to actualize his various economic and reform initiatives.

Part of the statement reads; “The AANISS is deeply concerned about the current socio-economic challenges and hardship being faced by Nigerians and wishes to identify and express its sympathy with fellow citizens.

“As a responsible association, we acknowledge the Federal Government’s efforts to alleviate these challenges and bring succour to the people. However, we note with deep consternation the planned nationwide protest scheduled for 1st August 2024.

“While peaceful protest is a right and legitimate as provided in the laws of the land, particularly in a democracy, we fear that it could be hijacked by unpatriotic elements, potentially leading to a breakdown in peace and security, as demonstrated during our recent experience of the #EndSARS protest which is still very fresh in our memory when innocent lives and valuable properties of  government and individuals were lost and destroyed.

“In the larger national interest, we urge all concerned to reconsider the idea of protest, shelve it and allow Government to address the issues raised in the ultimate interest of the generality of the populace.

“We appreciate the Federal Government’s initiatives, such as the new minimum wage, students loan , provision of food and other measures at easing the hardship in the land. Nevertheless, we call on the government to do more and work urgently to address the escalating socio-economic hardship. Let’s work together to find peaceful solutions to our nation’s challenges”.