In response to a growing call for nationwide protests scheduled for August 1st, the Federal Government has convened an emergency meeting today involving the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, all cabinet ministers, and top presidential advisors.
The planned demonstrations, inspired by recent unrest in Kenya, have been gaining traction on social media under hashtags like “#EndBadGovernance” and “#TinubuMustGo.” The protesters are voicing concerns over the rising cost of living and economic hardships they attribute to the Tinubu administration’s policies, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira.
However, President Bola Tinubu has pleaded with the organizers to cancel the protests, asking them to “await the government’s response to all their pleas.” The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, conveyed the President’s message, saying “Mr. President does not see any need for that. He asked them to shelve that plan and he has asked them to await the government’s response to all their pleas.”
Idris cited the government’s recent actions, such as the expedited passage of a new National Minimum Wage Bill and the distribution of grains to state governments, as evidence of Tinubu’s commitment to addressing the people’s grievances. The President also expressed strong support for a new Student Loan Board initiative and plans to assist unemployed graduates after their National Youth Service.
Yet, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, warned that the country has not fully recovered from the destructive 2020 #EndSARS protests and cannot afford a repeat of such unrest. He urged citizens to abandon the planned demonstrations, stating that the police have a responsibility to protect properties and public order.
Despite the government’s appeals, the planned nationwide protests appear to be gaining momentum, posing a significant challenge for the Tinubu administration as it seeks to maintain stability and address the public’s economic concerns.
Egbetokun, a Nigerian security official, has warned against any attempts to foster “terror and anarchy” through protests. He cautioned hoodlums against taking the law into their own hands.
Bayo Onanuga, a presidential aide, described calls for nationwide protests as “treasonable”. He accused the Labour Party and its supporters of being behind the planned protests, alleging they are “anarchists” rather than democrats.
The Labour Party refuted the allegations, stating they do not support violent protests but believe in the constitutional right to peaceful demonstration. They warned the government against any threat to clamp down on protesters.
Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President and 2023 PDP presidential candidate, emphasized the legal basis for public protests in Nigeria. He criticized attempts to discourage or prevent the planned protests.
The PDP’s Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, cautioned the authorities against restraining the youths from protesting, describing it as a response to the absence of good governance.
However, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, described the planned protests as “political gimmicks” by those seeking popularity, arguing the new government needs time to address the country’s challenges.
The Cross River State Government has urged residents not to participate in the August 1 protest, citing the violence that trailed the previous #EndSARS protests.
Overall, the key issue is the tension between the government’s warnings against the planned nationwide protests and the opposition’s defense of the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and demonstration.
