Protest: One Year Not Enough to Assess Tinubu Government – Minister

• Minister Goronyo urged reconsideration of hunger protests, arguing that one year is insufficient to judge President Tinubu’s administration
• He claimed protest organizers aim to destabilize Nigeria rather than target the President, emphasizing ongoing government efforts to combat hunger

The Minister of State for Water Resources, Barrister Bello Goronyo, has urged those planning a hunger protest to reconsider, arguing that one year is insufficient to judge President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Speaking at a stakeholders’ interactive meeting convened by the Sokoto State Government on Friday, Goronyo claimed that the protest organizers are not targeting the President but aiming to destabilize the nation.

He said, “These people are hell-bent on destabilizing the country as a nation. They are not targeting the President. They are targeting the nation. They want to destabilize us like those countries that are already in mess like Sudan.”

Goronyo noted that President Tinubu had stated at the start of his administration that they were “drawing water from an empty well,” having inherited the assets and liabilities of his predecessor. Therefore, he argued that one year and two months are insufficient to assess a government that inherited significant liabilities.

The Minister highlighted ongoing efforts by the government to address hunger and insecurity in the country. However, he mentioned that specific strategies cannot be disclosed due to their sensitivity. “A lot of efforts are being made to end insecurity, which we cannot reveal because we are fighting a war, but those who matter know them,” he said.

Additionally, Goronyo praised the current administration for its irrigation and regional development initiatives. He mentioned that for the first time, the government had opened dams for irrigation activities, noting that 408 dams will be utilized for this purpose. He also commended establishing the Northwest Development Commission and the Ministry of Livestock.

In conclusion, Goronyo called for patience and understanding from the public, emphasizing that significant progress takes time and that the administration is committed to positively impacting the nation’s future.