Don’t undermine Nigeria’s fragile economy, lawmaker warns protesters

Rep. Terseer Ugbor (APC-Benue) says Nigeria is at a crossroads and the citizenry cannot afford to undermine her economy in the sequel to the planned protest slated for Aug. 1.

Ugbor, member representing Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency of Benue State, said this in a statement in Abuja on Sunday.

He expressed worry over the planned nationwide protest tagged: “10 DAYS OF Rage,” indicating possible violence across the country.

He said that, “Nigeria is currently at a critical juncture where citizens must avoid actions that could undermine the delicate economy and security of the country.

This, according to him could make things worse for the already suffering people and the country.

While acknowledging the significant challenges and hardships being experienced by the people, Ugbor said the economy has all the indicators to be stronger.

This, he said, could be possible if the reforms implemented to navigate the current economic challenges were allowed to mature.

Ugbor also distanced Benue people from the planned protest scheduled for Aug 1, adding that the protest was ill-timed.

He said, “We are at a very important juncture in the life of our great country. Nigeria is facing a lot of challenges at this point in our history.

“This presents an opportunity for us to move this country from where we are today to where we want to be a few years from now.

“Nigeria, at this point in our history, has the prime opportunity to take a giant step forward in developing our economy, our infrastructure, and the agricultural base of our country,” he said.

He said, “we acknowledge the hunger in the land, We acknowledge that even the poor farmers in the villages find it difficult to get food to eat.

“Let’s continue to endure for a little while. We can’t afford to disrupt the fragile security and the economy our president is trying to resuscitate.