The Federal Government has increased security at the nation's borders in preparation for the upcoming nationwide protest against the economic challenges facing the country. President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and several state governors have been holding meetings with relevant stakeholders. They are urging for peace and requesting the protest organizers to allow the authorities more time to address the country's challenges.

President Bola Tinubu has debunked the allegation that his government is under the manipulation by some interest group in the debacle of the ongoing economic reforms by his administration. Contrary to some insinuations, Tinubu claimed that all his campaign was self-sponsored, without strings, or indebtedness to any individual or institution that may think the government is owing them.

Osun State Governor, Adetola Adeleke, has endorsed the traditional approach to food price control introduced by some traditional rulers in his State. Governor Adeleke after inaugurating a Food Security Implementation Committee has directed them to expedite action to ensure the realization of a secure and accessible food supply value chain, describing the approach by the traditional rulers as “a local innovation to lower increasing food inflation across the state.”

The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has yesterday appealed to the organisers of the upcoming nationwide protest to have a rethink and retract their steps for meaningful engagement with government instead. The appeal was released through a statement by its National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, Jare Ajayi, noting that while the people have a constitutional right to protest, however, consideration should be given to the general atmosphere surrounding the planned protest.

The Alumni Association of the National Institute For Security Studies (AANISS) has expressed fears that the August 1 planned protest may be hijacked by unpatriotic elements that could cause major break down of law and order across the country just as demonstrated during the ENDSARS protest that led to loss of innocent lives and properties. A press release by the association signed by its President Mike Ejiofor fsi, which was made available to vigil 360 while noting the current socio-economic challenges and hardship being faced across the country, urged Nigerians to reconsider the idea of protest, and allow Government to address the issues raised in the ultimate interest of the generality of the populace.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), says the planned August 1 nationwide protest can potentially degenerate into anarchy and a reign of terror as a result of the situational analysis by the military high command.