A non-governmental group, Christian Conscience, has urged the Federal Government to engage in a constructive dialogue with youths and other groups agitating to go on a national protest to shelve the planned nationwide demonstration.

The Christian Conscience made the call at its monthly executive meeting held in Ikeja, Lagos State, on Tuesday, July 23, 2024.

The group said: “We are living witnesses to how the present government is weighing and working on various efforts and interventions at stabilising the economy. We urge Nigerians to give the government more time for its various interventions and other efforts to yield positive results for the betterment of all and sundry.

“We are aware of the hardship being experienced by all Nigerians but patience and endurance needs to be applied by all the group urges Nigerians.

“However, what is the motive and gain of a protest at a time like this? Any activities to embark upon, those concerned should have the outcome in mind. There should not be room for wrong people to hijack a protest.

Christian Conscience calls for God-fearing citizens 

“The fatherly approach and wisdom the president applied while negotiating the issue of minimum wage with the Labour groups a few weeks back should also be applied to bring the agitators to avert the looming protest.”

Speaking on the issues surrounding the Dangote Oil Refinery and Petrochemicals in Lagos State, the group said the impasse between petroleum regulators and the company should be handled with care and mutual understanding.

The Christian Conscience added: “Government had always encouraged indigenous companies.

“We commend the intervention of the Minister of State for Petroleum, Hon. Heineken Lokpobiri, in resolving the issue. Regulatory bodies must strike a balance between policies, initiatives and socio-economic factors. Whereas government is about and for the people.

“The government must protect investors both from within and outside the country so that their investments are solidified and substantiated, the group advised.”

The Star