Seyi Makinde, the Governor of Oyo State has explained that the widespread anger and hunger across the country is the main reason for the planned protest.
Makinde made this declaration while speaking at the grand finale of the 2024 Ibadan Cultural Week, organised by Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII).
Recall that August 1 has been fixed as the day for a nationwide protest against hunger across the country.
Makinde, while addressing the audience at the event held on Saturday at Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan, the state capital, maintained that people have the right to protest.
He said that Nigerians planning to protest over hardship in the country should exercise their rights in a peaceful manner and not resort to violence or destruction of public facilities.
He advised the protesters not to destroy government property.
Makinde said, “Nigeria could be in this situation for now. We could be experiencing anger and hunger in the land and that is why our people want to protest.
“Yes, protest is everybody’s right. But remember that we used your money to build all the structures and facilities we have put in place in this state, not mine.
“So, if you want to protest, it must be peaceful.
“If you begin your protest, don’t destroy government properties, otherwise, we will have to use the money we are supposed to spend on meaningful projects to replace facilities that may get destroyed.”