The All Progressives Congress (APC) has described Monday’s protest in Minna and Kano as a display of desperation by the opposition to portray the federal government as underperforming.

Felix Morka, APC national publicity secretary, said this in a statement on Tuesday.

“Opposition parties have resorted to instigating unsuspecting young people to protest in the streets of some major cities. The protests in Minna and Kano on Monday were manifestations of this devious and unpatriotic plot.

“It was not coincidental that the protests happened simultaneously in both cities. It bears a bold stamp of an orchestrated and coordinated effort to instigate unrest and undermine the government,” said the ruling party.

It added, “This mercenary opposition tactic is a clear threat to public peace and national security.”

APC added that while the APC recognised the right of citizens to engage in peaceful protest, there was a need for people to remain vigilant. It urged Nigerians to be vigilant and not lend themselves to attempts by the opposition to promote social strife through its incendiary rhetoric and manipulative plots.

The statement assured President Bola Tinubu’s government was committed to mitigating the transient pains and engaging in important reforms for economic recovery and sustainability for all Nigerians.

“It behoves us, as good citizens of our beloved country, to stand fast with our government in this noble stride. In due time, these policy reforms would yield an enduring beneficial transformation of the material conditions of life in the country.

“We implore Nigerians to shun the guile and unpatriotic attempt by opposition elements to destabilise the country for their own base and parochial political gains,” added APC.

(NAN)