Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, has joined other Nigerians to appeal to the organisers of the proposed nationwide hunger protest to shelve it, citing economic reasons.

Mr Ekpemupolo, a High Chief in Ijaw land, while appealing on Saturday in Warri, observed that the protest might cause more harm than good to the economy and security.

He said rather than embarking on protest, the prospective protesters could engage the government at all levels to find lasting solutions to the problems.

The nationwide protest, planned by some faceless individuals, is scheduled to begin on Thursday.

Mr Ekpemupolo says while a protest is a sure way for the citizens to participate effectively in governance by checking government excesses, it can also halt progress.

He said he believed that with its abundant human and natural resources, the nation would overcome the current economic challenges.

“I have watched with trepidation our nation’s continued efforts to rise above poverty, disease and want.

“I believe one day we will rise above these pitfalls of development and take our place in the comity of nations.

“Nigeria is blessed with resources, both natural and human, and we are capable of finding our way to the promised land where our facilities will actually work.

“The most important question in nation building is not, ‘are we there now’ but ‘are we pushing in the right direction?’

“I sincerely believe that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is determined to take us in the direction of national reformation,” he said.

Mr Ekpemupolo, who also chairs Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), a private security outfit protecting the nation’s oil and gas assets, said Tinubu had proven to be courageous in his decisions.

“Only a man with clarity of vision will attempt such change of direction on his first day in office.

“I, therefore, wish to add my voice to that of many well-meaning Nigerians, including our revered traditional rulers, on this call to shelve the proposed hardship protest billed to begin on August 1, 2024,” he said.

Mr Ekpemupolo said the hunger and hardship currently evident in the country did not start today.

According to him, the president is working assiduously to revamp the economy with his well-thought-out policies and programmes.

He observed that things were getting better, especially in the oil and gas sector, under the Tinubu-led administration in the last one year.

“When things are beginning to be done right, what is often needed is patience.

“The organisers must know that the timing for this protest is wrong, and the protest may cause more harm than good to the economy and security,” he said.

(NAN)