Day 2 Of Hunger Protests… Federal Gov’t, Governors Beg As Demonstration Thins Out

After a day of mass protests in Nigeria, an uneasy calm has returned to some states in the federation.

The vituperations of Nigerian youth against hunger and bad governance that began Thursday have given way to uncertain peace as if the country is collectively catching its breath back.

But beneath the surface, the embers of discontent still smoulder, waiting to reignite into a blaze of fury unless the underlying issues that sparked the violent demonstrations are addressed.

As Nigeria teeters on the precipice, one question looms: will this fleeting calm be the precursor to lasting change or merely a brief respite before another avoidable storm?”

Even though peace had returned to most states, public and private offices, markets, banks, and shopping malls remained shut.

The highways, deserted on Thursday, gradually came alive later yesterday as a few motorists plied them.

The federal government and governors across the states of the federation quickly cashed in on the prevailing situation. They appealed to the angry youths to allow peace to reign, adding that the authorities at the state and federal levels had heard them “loud and clear”.

The Kwara State governor and chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; minister of agriculture and food security, Abubakar Kyari, and his steel development counterpart, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, said President Bola Tinubu and leaders across the country have listened to the citizens’ complaints about the state of the economy and are trying to address those concerns steadily.

AbdulRazaq spoke to reporters yesterday after observing the Juma’at prayer at the Alihamdulillaah Mosque in Government Reserved Area (GRA), Ilorin, the state capital.

“We have heard you, and a lot more will be done to strengthen the economy and ensure the welfare of the people. I urge all of you to please be patient with the president,” the governor said.

AbdulRazaq said Tinubu is working on more interventions to ease the burden across the federation.

He again appreciated the people’s peaceful conduct as they went about their businesses, saying his administration would continue to prioritise their welfare.

Also, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has pledged monthly handouts for youths in the state.

He commended the youths for their non-violent disposition in the ongoing agitation for good governance in the country and appealed to them to remain in the vanguard of maintaining the peaceful ambiance of the state.

During the August edition of the Monthly Covenant Service at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Uyo, tagged, “But They Shall Proceed No Further,” the governor disclosed his administration’s plans to launch a social welfare programme that will provide monthly support for about 5,000 youths in the State.

On his part, minister of steel development Prince Abubakar Audu urged Nigerians to suspend the nationwide protest against the current government, promising the citizens that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would work assiduously to fix the country’s current challenges.

Prince Audu , who made the appeal in a statement issued in Abuja by his special assistant on media, Lizzy Okoji, urged citizens to have more patience and trust in President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”

Audu said the current administration’s policies encompass strategic plans and policies that, when implemented, will drive Nigeria to economic prosperity, improved welfare, education, and health systems, improved social amenities, food security, and infrastructural development, among many other needs.

Highlighting the achievements of President Tinubu in just over one year in office, the minister assured that Nigerians will get all their expectations of good governance before the end of his first tenure.

“I want to appeal to my fellow Nigerians to suspend the nationwide protests against the current administration and let us resort to dialogue to address all our concerns and expectations from the President Tinubu-led administration,” he said.

According to Prince Audu,  the minister of agriculture Senator Kyari working under the directive of President Tinubu had assured Nigerians that food prices will crash in 180 days, with strategic measures aimed at addressing the high food prices currently affecting the nation being implemented.”

He went on, “N250,000 metric tonnes of wheat and 250,000 metric tonnes of maize are being imported, and these semi-processed commodities will be supplied to small-scale processors and millers across the country.

“Additionally, to strengthen the health sector, Mr. President directed redesigning the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, financing for the National Primary Health Care so that citizens could access better healthcare.

“I and my colleagues at the cabinet level, under the visionary leadership of Mr. President across all sectors, have been working relentlessly to implement various policies within our respective mandates to actualise the Renewed Hope Agenda and facilitate a better Nigeria for all. Many of these projects have already come to light,” he said.

Protests Persist In FCT, Plateau, Kaduna, Jigawa

In the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, the police dispersed protesters at the popular Berger Roundabout, Abuja, when they noticed they had gathered in large numbers on the second day of the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests against hardship and hunger.

The protesters chanted solidarity songs and the popular slogans ‘End bad governance’ and ‘Hungry dey’ when the policemen went to tell them to leave the area.

Noticing that the protesters were not ready to leave the area, they fired tear gas canisters directly at them to disperse them, sending the protesters and journalists running for safety.

As the #EndBadGovernance protest entered its second day, protesters in Zaria, Kaduna’s northern zone, barricaded major roads and restricted vehicular movement.

The youth groups were stationed strategically on the major roads to prevent vehicle movement; the main road from Zaria City to Kofar Doka to the Agoro junction was blocked.

LEADERSHIP Weekend reports that Friday’s protests were peaceful, and protesters’ attendance was less than on the first day.

Meanwhile, Kaduna State Police Command arrested 25 protesters and barricaded the road leading to the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House in the state capital.

This followed the violence that trailed the #EndBadGovernance protests on Thursday in some parts of the state as well as the attempted attack on the state’s Government House by hoodlums.

On Friday, a combined team of security operatives could be seen mounting surveillance along the road leading to the state seat of power and at strategic locations around the state to prevent the breakdown of law and order.

Meanwhile, the police authorities called on parents and guardians to restrain their wards from disturbing public peace during the protest.

In a statement released by the state police spokesman, ASP Mansir Hassan, the command advised groups intending to protest to liaise with the Commissioner of Police to fashion out modalities for a peaceful protest.

In Jigawa State, over 15 people were confirmed injured, 10 public buildings destroyed, and some looted.

The APC state secretariat in Dutse, the state capital, and Jigawa Agricultural store in Hadejia city were all looted and burnt, along with three cars at the premises.

Other affected buildings included the Birninkudu local government secretariat, skill acquisition centres, two residential houses belonging to politicians, and four other agricultural and grains stores in Kazaure,

On day two of the protest, the #EndBadGovernance protests intensified in Jos as more crowds thronged the protest grounds.

Besides, the protesters blocked Jos Highway and observed Friday Juma’at prayer. At the same time, their Christian counterparts formed a circle around them and watched as they prayed for God’s intervention in some of the country’s challenges.

Kano Relaxes Curfew, 326 Suspects Arrested

The Kano state government has relaxed the curfew imposed on the state yesterday by five hours, from 12pm to 5pm. to allow worshipers to attend prayers.

The announcement came yesterday through the state’s Attorney General Haruna Dederi.

Meanwhile, all roads, business premises, banks, and other retail stores have remained deserted. In most shops, owners evacuated their goods and valuables to safety to avoid them being looted by hoodlums.

Kano state police command has confirmed arresting 326 suspected looters during Thursday’s bad governance protest in the state and has announced that they are going to be prosecuted.

Kano Police Commissioner Salman Dogo stated this at an emergency press conference at the command on Friday.

The CP also called on parents, guardians, and law-abiding citizens to voluntarily return looted properties they see with their wards to the nearest police station.

and affecting the general security situation of the state.

The police also arrested 13 suspects for vandalising vehicles at the State High Court premises during the protest.

The police commissioner, Salma Dogo, told newsmen in a telephone interview on Thursday that the suspects were apprehended at the court’s premises.

The commissioner urged residents to cooperate with security personnel by providing intelligence on any individuals or groups found possessing dangerous weapons in the state.

In Dutse, the capital of Jigawa state, the protest has persisted despite the 24-hour curfew imposed by the governor, Malam Umar Namadi, on Thursday night.

A combined team of security agencies battled protesters around the Zai area of the city to prevent them from entering the commercial area and other major public buildings and stores.

According to one of the residents of Zai quarters, thousands of youths who were chanting different slogans, including inviting the military to take over the nation, resisted the teargas thrown to seize them by the security.

However, thousands of the youths regrouped at the Shuwaring area on the outskirts of Dutse and continued with demonstrations.

In Sokoto State, the commissioner of police, Ali Hayatu Kaigama, assured residents of the state of adequate security and urged the people to avoid any form of criminality during the protest.

Military Threatens To Step In Amidst Mass Arrest

Meanwhile, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has said the military will intervene if the #EndbadGovernance protest continues.

General Musa also cautioned the media against giving undue publicity to the protesters.

The CDS who stated this yesterday while briefing journalists on the nationwide hunger protest noted that the peaceful protest was hijacked by criminals who went on a looting spree.

“The armed forces and the entire security agencies will not stand by and see that to continue. We want to warn those who don’t want to listen. We will not fold our hands and see our country destroyed.

“We will take action, and the action will be taken professionally. Anyone caught will be taken to the courts to be dealt with,” he said.

Atiku, Sanusi Condemn Killing, Shooting By Police

In his reaction yesterday, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar said the nation cannot afford further days of unrest and tasked the federal government with demonstrating a sincere commitment to addressing the protesters’ demands.

He also condemned the killings that have trailed the protest and called on the police to engage more professionally in managing these protests.

On his X handle, Atiku, while reacting to the ongoing protest, said its noteworthy commencement had opened a vital channel for the public to express disapproval of government policies and furthered an essential conversation about good governance in the nation.

He urged the protesters to maintain their peaceful stance and called on more Nigerians to show solidarity and support for the #EndBadGovernance peaceful protest.

Also, the Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II has called for calm following the unfortunate looting and destruction of both public and private property in the state during the nationwide end bad governance protest.

The Emir who addressed newsmen yesterday evening called on the youths to desist from looting and vandalizing property, saying it is not in the interest of the people and the state.

He lamented the loss of lives and the destruction of the Kano Printing Press and the NCC’s ICT Hub, which was due to be commissioned next week.

“Those youths that were killed are our children; the property destroyed belongs to us, and we are the victims of all the losses encountered.

“The Kano Printing Press that was burnt down belongs to the people of Kano, and money that was to be used in human development projects will now have to be diverted for its repairs.

“The multi-million naira ICT Hub of the Nigerian Communication Commission that was vandalised is due to be commissioned next week by the minister. This is a federal government project that will benefit the youths of Kano with computer appreciation and others.

“It has now been vandalised and looted, and this is not in the interest of the people of Kano.”

Govt, Businesses Lose N800bn, Network Cable Cut By Protesters

Meanwhile, experts estimate that the government, corporate entities, and private businesses, including Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), may have lost N800 billion to the hunger protest between Thursday and yesterday.

The protests recorded widespread destruction of lives and properties, particularly, in the northern part of the country, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, after the protests were hijacked in some northern states.

The most affected sectors include trade and commerce, manufacturing, entertainment, transportation, logistics, financial services, the hospitality industry, agriculture, aviation, ICT, and construction sectors, and SMEs.

Earlier, the Centre for the Promotion of Public Enterprise (CPPE) had estimated that the planned nationwide protest could lead to a daily loss of N400 billion if not properly managed.

The chief executive officer (CEO) of the centre, Dr. Muda Yusuf, had earlier warned that the proposed nationwide protests portend grave dangers for an economy which is already in a very fragile state, adding that the consequences of such a huge loss for the country and the citizens would be very severe.

For their part, the National Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria (ASBON) and the National Association of Small-Scale Industrialists (NASSI) cited low market penetration and an estimated revenue loss as consequences of the protests.

Speaking to LEADERSHIP Weekend, the national president of the Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria (ASBON), Dr. Femi Egbesola, said the current inflation and exchange rate had created a precarious economy for manufacturers, industrialists, and SMEs in the country, even as multinationals were exiting the country because of market forces beyond their control.

However, he urged the government to administer the right economic policy to tame inflation and regulate price control so that business activities could operate seamlessly.

The national vice president of the Nigerian Association of Small-Scale Industrialists, Segun Kuti-George, said the fear of arson from the EndSARS protest still haunts Nigerian business owners who almost lost their factories.

“Our factories were nearly torched and we would have been without businesses,” Kuti-George said, recounting the experiences of business owners in the EndSARS protest.

Also, a development economist, Rotimi Oyelere, pointed out that there is a loss of output and income when protests force workers to stop working, adding that protests of a nationwide magnitude could have a multiplier effect on daily wage earners.

“There will be a micro impact in immediate income loss for households, and businesses; then a macro impact that will affect general output and on a national aspect. It could get out of control and lead to indirect loss if there is a need to restore any destroyed property,” he added.

The economist recommended more transparency between the people and the state, noting that a deterioration of trust helped ignite the brewing social unrest in the country.

Earlier, Dr Muda Yusuf, suggested that the protesters should consider that over 90 percent of employed Nigerians are in the informal sector.

“Employees in this space (informal sector) depend on daily income and any disruption to their economic activities beyond 24 hours could snowball into major social unrest. This underlines the country’s vulnerability to prolonged protests,” he said.

Meanwhile, a group, #FixPolitics, has said the federal government’s reactions to the #EndBadGovernmence peaceful protest show a serious disconnect with the people it was elected to govern,

In a statement entitled ‘August 1, 2024 Citizens Peaceful Protest: Time to Change Course’, the citizen-led movement faulted the government’s reactionary and ill-advised actions to give the protest and the protesters a bad name.

The executive director, #FixPolitics Africa, Anthony Ubani, said the government’s reaction and provocative utterances about the protests reflected a deep disconnect with the people’s reality.

He faulted the government’s attempt to demonise the valid demands of the hungry populace and brand it as the work of opposition parties.

According to him, searching for imaginary sponsors of the protests only bolstered the courage of the people, who feared the loss of their voices and dignity in a feudalistic system masquerading a democracy.

Ubani said the Office Of The Citizen is the highest in a democracy, adding that “to make it impossible for citizens to express themselves or criminalise their right to free assembly in peaceful protest is an unacceptable descent into dictatorship.”