What is Happening on August 1st in Nigeria
On August 1, 2024, Nigeria is set to witness a significant nationwide protest. The demonstration, sparked by widespread frustration over hunger and economic hardship, aims to bring attention to the growing challenges faced by many Nigerians. This planned protest reflects a collective call for urgent action to address the nation’s pressing issues and improve living conditions for its citizens.
Why are Nigerians Protesting?
Why are Nigerians protesting? The call to protest emerged following recent demonstrations in Kenya against increased taxes on essential goods. These Kenyan protests evolved into broader demands for government reforms, resonating with many Nigerians who are facing the worst cost of living crisis in nearly 30 years. By June 2024, Nigeria’s inflation rate had reached 34.19%, with food inflation exceeding 40%.
According to NGO data, Nigeria has become the world’s malnutrition capital with more than 31.8 million children affected. However, instead of tackling all these, the President of Nigeria, just recently, deemed changing the Nigerian National Anthem of more importance. There is also the high cost of fuel and frequent fuel shortages have exacerbated the situation, despite Nigeria’s status as one of the world’s top oil and gas producers.
As a result, the people of Nigeria are reaching their breaking point, with many taking to social media using the hashtag #EndBadGovernance to voice their frustrations and demand change.
The Nigerian Government’s Response to the Protests
The Nigerian government’s response to the planned protests has been strong and unequivocal. President Tinubu and senior officials have described the protests as unwarranted and politically motivated. The Department of State Services claims the protests aim to undermine the government and create conditions for “regime change,” potentially inciting chaos and violence.
Similarly, the military has warned that the protests could lead to anarchy and has vowed to take proactive measures to maintain control. The police have also issued cautions, suggesting that the protests could be used as a cover to unleash terror. These warnings are particularly concerning given the history of Nigerian security forces violently repressing peaceful demonstrations. The brutal crackdown on the #EndSARS protests in October 2020, where military and police officers fired on unarmed protesters, killing at least 12, is still fresh in the public’s memory.
On Friday, the secret service announced that it had identified “the funding lines, sponsors, and collaborators” behind an alleged plot to topple the government through the demonstrations. The following day, Police Chief Kayode Egbetokun stated that security agencies had “credible intelligence” suggesting the involvement of foreign mercenaries, though neither statement provided specific details. Local reports indicate that soldiers blocked the highway leading to Abuja on Monday, while police reinforcements were observed in Kano, a major northern city, on Sunday.
Analysts believe the government is just trying to avoid a repeat of the recent events in Kenya, where young people brought the country to a standstill for weeks, compelling the government to roll back new taxes.
Nigerians Protests Against the Protests
Some minor protests have already begun around the country including anti-protest protests. Demonstrators displayed large banners reading “Say no to protest,” just a few miles away from the city’s fuel queues. These protests are said to be led by the presidential party, APC supporters which makes it seem like a governmental ploy to dissuade people from protesting.
Regardless of the government’s efforts, the Nigerian people are determined to protest and fight for a better country. During this period we wish those taking the streets a peaceful and safe protest.
All images are sourced from twitter
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