BATSV Chairman Calls for Boycott of August Protest, Cites Government Achievements.

BATSV Chairman Calls for Boycott of August Protest, Cites Government Achievements.

The Global Chairman of Bola Ahmed Tinubu Solidarity Vanguard (BATSV), Ambassador Dr. Dare Owotomobi, has urged Nigerian youths, students, and market women to boycott the proposed nationwide protest slated for the first week of August 2024. He claims the protest is a diversionary tactic aimed at derailing the federal government's progress.

Owotomobi criticized the protest, labeling it as "ill-conceived, ill-timed, and politically motivated" by individuals with ulterior motives. He argued that the protest is an attempt by "bad losers and self-serving protectors of the masses" to tarnish the achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In his statement, Dr. Owotomobi emphasized that the President has acknowledged there is room for improvement and highlighted several accomplishments within his first year in office. These include the signing of the North-West and South-East Development Commission Bills, the introduction of a ₦70,000 national minimum wage, and a 50% salary reduction for House of Representatives members.

Owotomobi listed several of Tinubu's achievements:

- New roads, bridges, and a metro rail line in Abuja.

- Easier passport procurement for Nigerians.

- SUPA's training of over 1 million Nigerian artisans to be globally competitive.

- ICT skills training for young Nigerians through 3MTT.

- Advancements in the entertainment industry by IDICE.

- Student loans improving the lives of Nigerian students.

- CNG revolutionizing transportation.

- Nearly half a trillion naira allocated as palliatives to governors and legislators.

- Autonomy for Local Government Areas.

- All-season farming initiatives.

- The daily operation of the PH-Aba railway.

- Activation of conditional cash transfers for millions of Nigerians.

- Payment of ASUU arrears and increased FAAC allocations.

- Ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.

- Increment of minimum wages.

He advised any dissatisfied 2023 presidential candidates to be patient and wait for the next election cycle in 2027.

Dr. Owotomobi also warned that the protest could be hijacked by "unscrupulous elements" intent on causing mayhem. He urged Nigerians to give the President more time to address their concerns.

Jimmy Nanyak Lar, Special Assistant Media to BATSV Global Chairman, conveyed these remarks in a press release.