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.
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nandap, has instructed all Zonal Heads, State Command Comptrollers, and Divisional Immigration Officers (DIOs) nationwide to increase their efforts in securing the country's entry points to prevent foreign individuals from exploiting the ongoing protests. In a statement, NIS spokesman DCI Kenneth Udo noted that the agency's Comptroller General issued the directive.
According to the statement, “The Comptroller General noted that, in keeping with the responsibility of safeguarding the nation’s gateways placed on the shoulders of the Service, officers, especially Heads of Border Commands, are tasked to rise to the occasion by ensuring that no foreign element can take advantage of the protest to destabilise the country.
“She directs temporary suspension of all leave applications and charges officers to exercise utmost professionalism and patriotism in the discharge of their duties during and after the protest, explaining that Nigeria is the only country we have as our own.
“The CGIS assures all Nigerians of the service’s preparedness to safeguard the nation’s borders towards enhancing national security.”
The political class has urged protesters to exercise their rights peacefully and refrain from nationwide protests. Vice President Kashim Shettima emphasized the need for unity.
He also spoke about the peace that is gradually returning to Borno State. According to Shettima, “We have had enough challenges in Borno, in the subregion, and the nation as a whole. This is a time for unity, this is a time for focused development. And for the people of Borno, I will ask them to rally around our governor who is working tirelessly to address our developmental deficits and also bring succor to the downtrodden.
“The only way we can show solidarity with the governor is for our people to shy away from dancing to the tune of the bandits and idiots who are fomenting mischief from the comfort of Australia, Finland, and the United States – all the so-called social media influencers.”
Before concluding, the VP assured that President Tinubu remains committed to pulling the nation out of the woods, emphasizing that the Tinubu administration will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the welfare and lives of Nigerians are improved drastically.
Governor Obaseki called for more transparency from the Federal Government and urged for calm to prevent worsening the situation. Governor Seyi Makinde acknowledged the right to protest but cautioned against destroying public utilities.