Protesters in the northern state of Sokoto.
Thousands of Nigerians came out today in response to calls for nationwide protests over soaring cost of living and rising fuel price caused by the economic policies of the Tinubu government. The protests are expected to last for ten days.
The organisers, who say they are only voicing the frustrations of most Nigerians with the country’s current economic conditions, have vowed “days of rage” in demonstrations.
With growing public support for the protests, the Nigerian government, fearing a replay of the October 2020 #EndSARS protest which started peacefully but turned violent, has labelled the protests as unwarranted and politically motivated
Organisers of the protests are calling for the reversal of fuel price hike, the restoration of affordable electricity tariffs, and the reduction of food prices, which skyrocketed in recent months.
Reports by local media say the groups are also demanding the reversal of many institutions’ hikes in tertiary education fees. They are also demanding full transparency and accountability in governance, including the public disclosure and reduction of public officials’ salaries and allowances, and an emergency fund to support SMEs.
Nigeria’s primary domestic intelligence outfit, the Department of State Services (DSS) alleged that the protests were intended to undermine the government and plunge the country into chaos. Also, the Nigerian Army warned that the protests could lead to anarchy and has promised to take proactive measures to maintain control.
The stance of Nigerian government officials and security agencies regarding the planned nationwide protests has raised serious concerns as many say they had expected a more conciliatory approach by the government rather than its attempts at deflection from the real issues facing Nigerians.
They say the situation is not helped by the dismal performance of Nigeria’s currency, the Naira, which remains one of the worst performing currencies globally since the government floated it in the open market.
The protests appear to have been more intense in the country’s northern states where arson and looting of public buildings have been reported. In the northern state of Jigawa, the building housing the state’s headquarters of the national ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) was set on fire. In some other northern states where violence have been reported, such as Kano, Yobe and Borno, 24 hour curfew have been imposed by the state governments.
The governor of Kano, Nigeria’s most populous northern state, Abba Yusuf, declared a 24-hour curfew following the massive looting of public buildings.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) quoted Yusuf as saying “I am deeply dismayed by the actions of some individuals who have hijacked the ongoing protests in Kano State, resulting in the vandalism of public property.
“…To safeguard lives and property, I have decided to impose a 24-hour curfew, effective immediately.
“I have also directed security agencies to deal decisively with any person or group found fomenting trouble or engaging in violent activities.”
Early in the morning in Abuja, the country’s capital, roads were deserted with only a few cars seen on the usually busy highways that criss-cross the city.
Armoured Personnel Carriers with soldiers and police operatives were seen protecting the entry into the Three-Arms Zone, where the country’s National Assembly, the Supreme Court, and the presidential villa are located.
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