Tension is rising across Nigeria as organizers of nationwide protests scheduled for August 1 to 10 have vowed not to back down. Many Nigerians, upset by the severe economic situation affecting the nation, have committed to staging mass protests in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) next month. According to the organizers, the demonstration aims to draw the attention of the government at various levels to the hardships citizens are facing.
The agenda is also to possibly persuade the current administration to reverse some policies that have contributed to the present economic reality. This has caused tension across the country, with government officials, business owners, and security agencies worried about potential attacks.
Economic Hardship
Nigeria has been struggling with economic difficulties since President Bola Tinubu announced the end of the fuel subsidy era in 2023. This move has led to a significant rise in the cost of living. On Wednesday, the National Bureau of Statistics disclosed in its June report that prices of some food items have skyrocketed by as much as 250 percent recently.
The organizers of the impending protest, called “Days of Rage,” argue that the inability of Nigerians to afford food and other basic necessities has driven them to take action.
Security Concerns
There are concerns that the proposed protest may worsen the already challenging security situation in the country. The Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Defence Headquarters, and the Department of State Services (DSS) have all raised alarms about the potential for the planned protest to lead to anarchy.
The Defence Headquarters warned on Thursday that the planned protest could degenerate into anarchy and a reign of terror. Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, told journalists in Abuja that there were signs of status-related violence, where individuals with basic possessions like smartphones and cars could be targeted, along with those who own houses and shops.
The Nigeria Police Force also issued a cautionary alert, citing credible intelligence about potential manipulation by foreign mercenaries and the involvement of malicious groups aiming to disrupt public order. Inspector-General of Police Olukayode Egbetokun expressed concerns about the involvement of external actors in the protests, emphasizing the need for Nigerians to exercise caution before joining any protest groups.
The DSS also warned the organizers against proceeding with their plans. In a statement by its spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, the DSS alerted the public that it had uncovered a plan by some criminal elements to hijack the protest and cause unrest in the country. Afunanya described the motive behind the protest as political, claiming that the plotters intended to use the violent outcome of the demonstration to smear the federal and sub-national governments.
Organizers Remain Defiant
Despite the warnings and concerns raised by various authorities, the organizers of the proposed protest are determined to go ahead. Omoyele Sowore, a former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) and one of the key organizers, told DAILY POST on Saturday that the protest would proceed as scheduled.
Sowore, a well-known Nigerian activist, said that the organizers were even under pressure to start the #EndBadGovernmnetInNigeria protest earlier than the scheduled date. He stated, “The #EndBadGovernmnetInNigeria #DaysOfRage will take place on August 1st 2024 as scheduled; Organizers are under pressure to start earlier.” When asked if he would be physically present during the protest, Sowore, who is currently in the United States, responded, “the revolt will occur globally; yes, I will participate fully.”
Regarding the inclusion of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), in the 15 key demands recently announced by the organizers, Sowore said that demanding Kanu’s release “is the right thing to do.” He explained, “We understand that as an ethnically, culturally and religiously diverse country, some may find the inclusion of free Nnamdi Kanu a bit challenging but it is the right thing to do to address the monumental injustices intertwined in the legally tangled conundrum the federal government has found itself in sustaining Kanu’s unjust incarceration. When Free Elzakyaky was included in 2019, some people frowned at it but today, he is a free man and the heavens did not fall.”
Calls for Dialogue
In the face of the planned protests, various stakeholders, including politicians, groups, organizations, and business owners, have called for dialogue instead of street demonstrations. The Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and socio-political organization, Afenifere, urged the organizers to consider dialogue to prevent possible destruction of lives and properties.
Comrade Jare Ajayi, Afenifere’s national publicity secretary, told Newsmen that the memories of the destruction that occurred during the 2020 EndSARS protests were still fresh. He said, “like we have said, the experience of what happened during the EndSARS in 2020 is still fresh in our minds. Scars of the protests can still be felt in various places. The nonpareil modern laboratory in Lagos that was destroyed then could not be replaced up till now. A laboratory that had nothing to do with what the protesters were venting their anger against. The destruction of the laboratory has meant that tests that could be routinely done in Lagos now have to be taken to the United States of America. Instances abound in other parts of the country. Since dialogues would be employed to resolve conflicts, it’s better to engage in dialogues rather than allowing conflicts to degenerate into street protests that stand the chance of being hijacked by irate mobs.”
Criticism from Arewa Youths
The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has stated that it will not participate in the planned nationwide protests, arguing that the objectives of the organizers are not well defined. Yerima Shettima, President General of AYCF, told reporters on Saturday that while protest is a legitimate right of citizens, violence should not be an option.
Shettima emphasized, “The right to peacefully assemble and voice grievances is a fundamental right that is enshrined in the constitution of many countries, including Nigeria. However, the effectiveness and appropriateness of the protests that are being planned in Nigeria have sparked a debate on many issues. While protest is a legitimate and vital tool for citizens to gather and raise their voices in unity, it is essential that protests are conducted in a peaceful and organized manner. Violence and destruction during protests can have negative consequences, leading to harm to individuals and property and undermining the message that the protesters are trying to convey. It is crucial that protests are aimed at sparking dialogue, raising awareness, and enacting positive change, rather than inciting chaos and harm. It is essential that the North and other regions in Nigeria are advised against participating in protests that do not have well-defined objectives and may potentially lead to unrest and instability.”
The situation in Nigeria remains tense as the date for the planned protests approaches. Both organizers and authorities are preparing for what could be a significant moment in the country’s ongoing struggle with economic hardship and social unrest.
