By Augustine Akhilomen

…Deal Decisively’ With Arsonists, Troublemakers, IGP Orders Officers

…We Won’t Allow Repeat Of #EndSARS Destruction, Says Sanwo-Olu Warns Lagosians

…As Oro Festival Kicks Off In Lagos

…Avoid Violence, Rights Violations, NHRC Charges FG, Citizens


Nigerian youths are set to march to occupy Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Rivers, and other parts of the states in Nigeria as they protest against the current economic hardship ravaging most homes today.

And with momentum soaring on social media, authorities fear a replay of the deadly 2020 demonstrations against police brutality in this West African nation or a wave of violence similar to last month’s protests in Kenya, where a tax hike led to chaos in the capital, Nairobi.

Nigeria’s population of over 210 million people, the continent’s largest — is also among the hungriest in the world and its government has struggled to create jobs.

The current economic hardship under Tinubu, who promised “renewed hope” when he was sworn into office in May 2023, is blamed on surging inflation that is at a 28-year high and the government’s economic policies that have pushed the local currency to record low against the dollar.

The frustration is widespread, though it is worse in northeastern Nigeria, where the world’s longest war on militancy has left 4.8 million people in dire need of food, according to the United Nation’s food agency. Nationwide, at least 32 million Nigerians face acute hunger, which is 10% of the global burden, the World Food Program said.

On Wednesday, security forces were deployed on major roads in cities, including the capital of Abuja and the country’s largest, Lagos. Authorities touted the positives, appealing to organizers to shelve plans for the protests.

“Is a protest the catalyst for progress we need now? I strongly believe it isn’t. Instead, it could undo the modest gains we’ve made,” Lagos Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu said in a speech.

Meanwhile, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has called on the youths to reduce the duration of the planned nationwide protest to one day.

“Even our forefathers in their graveyards have heard your voices loud and clear. The way and manner in which the government has been running helter-skelter since the announcement of the protests shows the moral victory of your campaigns and your struggles.

“What we have done in the past few days is to facilitate dialogue with the law enforcement and security agencies. The insistence by the Inspector-General of Police of ‘credible intelligence’ with plans for violence is a confirmation of the desperation of the government to abort the protests by sponsoring hooligans and thugs to disrupt the protests. This is currently ongoing in many parts of Lagos State.”

“I therefore appeal that the protests be orderly and peaceful and conducted in the locations you have already sent to the police.

“Also, let the days of the protests be reduced to one day or the maximum three days and thereafter be suspended. Let your demands be made known to the government and then give time to address them.

“I have no doubt that you have the capacity to prosecute the protests as intended and that you have the support and prayers of the majority of our people, in all your actions. But let us give room for more dialogue. I offer to join you in this, anytime.

“I make this appeal in the interest of peace, progress and tranquillity of our dear nation,” he added.

More so, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has directed his men across the country to “deal decisively” with arsonists and troublemakers as youths stage #EndBadGovernance protests against hunger and economic hardship across the Federation starting on Thursday, August 1, 2024.

“All officers and men of the Nigeria Police are hereby directed to act and deal decisively with any act of arson, intimidation or harassment of any citizen, threat to lives and properties, breach of peace and any act of criminality that may arise or flow from the planned protest in any part of the country.

“Perpetrators of any crime will be arersted and promptly prosecuted,” he said.

In addition, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued an Advisory Opinion to the Federal Government urging it to ensure that the August 1, 2024 planned nationwide protests enjoys a peaceful atmosphere devoid of any form of human rights violations.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu OFR, SAN made this disclosure on Wednesday also charged the law enforcement agencies to comply with the relevant human rights principles and practices that guarantee the right to freedom of association and assembly.

The Executive Secretary reminded the law enforcement agents and Citizens that Article 21 of the ICCPR and the ACHPR guarantee the right to a peaceful Assembly without restrictions.

The learned Silk emphasized that Citizens do not require police permits to hold peaceful protests, notification to law enforcement about planned assemblies does not equate to seeking permission but serves as an avenue for ensuring safety and orderly conduct of protests and assemblies.