In a stark warning, the United Nations Department of Safety and Security has sounded the alarm on potential security risks surrounding the planned nationwide protests against economic hardship in Nigeria. The UN’s threat assessment, dated July 19, 2024, highlights concerns that these demonstrations, scheduled for August 1-10 and dubbed “10 days of rage,” could be hijacked by groups with ulterior motives.
The protests, organized by various Nigerian groups, aim to address the country’s soaring cost of living and economic challenges. However, the UN’s assessment paints a worrying picture of possible violence and large-scale disruptions to normal economic and social activities.
Drawing parallels with past incidents, the UN report recalls the violent protests that erupted in February 2023 due to a financial crisis caused by the scarcity of new Naira currency. During that period, several states in the South-East and South-South regions of Nigeria witnessed civil unrest, resulting in vandalized bank branches, damaged ATM points, and blocked major roads.
The current economic situation in Nigeria has sparked widespread discontent among citizens. Protesters are demanding the reversal of policies implemented by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which they believe have exacerbated hardship in the country. These demands include reinstating petrol and tertiary education subsidies, restoring affordable electricity tariffs, reducing import duties, and declaring a state of emergency on inflation.
Joe Ajaero, president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), emphasized the difficulty in preventing Nigerians from expressing their dissatisfaction with government policies. In a statement addressed to President Tinubu, Ajaero highlighted the growing frustration among the populace.
However, the planned protests have sparked a debate among political figures and organizations. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has voiced his support for the demonstrations, arguing that attempts to suppress them would be unconstitutional. On the other hand, President Tinubu has appealed to Nigerians, particularly students, to shelve the planned protests, assuring them that their concerns are being addressed.
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has also weighed in on the matter, urging citizens to reconsider the proposed protests. Egbetokun drew attention to the aftermath of the #EndSARS protests, which he claimed led to widespread destruction of public assets and aggravated crime rates and insecurity in several parts of the country.
Adding another layer to the complex situation, some organizations and ethnic group leaders, particularly in the South-South and South-East regions, are discouraging participation in the protests. This development, according to the UN assessment, further complicates the security landscape and increases the likelihood of the events being hijacked by other interest groups or detractors.
Amnesty International has cautioned the federal government against threatening Nigerians planning to protest. The organization emphasized that Nigerians have a constitutional right to peaceful protest and warned that any attempts to suppress this right would be unlawful.
As tensions rise, the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has alleged that “failed politicians” seeking to wrest power from the ruling party are behind the planned nationwide protest. The party questioned why Nigerians were not protesting against their state governors despite increased monthly allocations.
In response to the growing unrest, President Tinubu’s administration has announced several intervention measures. These include a new minimum wage of N70,000 passed by the National Assembly, distribution of rice to all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, and the launch of a Student Loans Fund.
As Nigeria braces for the potential “10 days of rage,” all eyes are on how the government will navigate this delicate situation. The coming days will reveal whether the country can strike a balance between addressing legitimate economic concerns and maintaining public order. With the UN’s warning echoing across the nation, Nigeria finds itself walking a tightrope between protest and potential peril.
