Tension, food prices rise as hunger protest begins today

Prices of foodstuff have again gone up in major markets across the country as Nigerians engaged in panic buying in a bid to stock their homes before the planned nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest begin today, The PUNCH reports.

This comes as last-ditch moves by the Federal Government to stop the protest failed to arrest the momentum generated by the organisers, who insisted the protest would go on as planned.

The protest organisers want an improvement in the soaring cost of living and a reversal of some harsh government policies, particularly the removal of petrol subsidy.

The subsidy removal, along with ongoing security issues in farming regions, has led to increased transportation costs and subsequent food inflation.

In a late rally to stop the demonstration, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, Wednesday, addressed an emergency press conference where he again admonished Nigerians to shun the proposed protest.

Other top officials also pleaded for the suspension of the protest, including the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, Atiku Bagudu (Budget and Planning), Wale Edun (Economy) and presidential media aide, Bayo Onanuga, among others.

They reeled out all the people-oriented policies and programmes implemented by the Tinubu government and sought the understanding of Nigerians.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, also invited journalists for an urgent press conference at the force headquarters.

Also, the National Assembly held a plenary on Wednesday after cutting its recess short.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, addressed youths at a hastily convened town hall meeting at the National Assembly Complex, where he reiterated his appeal to the protest organisers to embrace dialogue with the Federal Government to find solutions to the hardship in the country.

The SGF in his remarks said the government recognised the right to protest but was wary of the planned protests being hijacked “by bandits, insurgents and other criminals.”

He added, “We, therefore, appeal to Nigerians of whatever persuasion, belief, demography, gender and status to shun calls for protests against hunger by prioritising peace and progress.

“For avoidance of doubt, the government of President Tinubu recognises the right to peaceful protest but circumspection and vigilance should be our watchword.

“The government is wary of the dangers associated with protests that are vulnerable to being hijacked by bandits, insurgents and other criminals. Rather, we request that dialogue should be advanced and we remain open to such.

“Our appeal is that Nigerians should please pursue the path of peace, dialogue and collaboration in addressing the challenges that collectively confront us.”

Akume outlined some interventions of the Tinubu-led administration in the 14 months since its inauguration on May 29, 2024, stating that the country was undergoing refining and recalibration and that economic growth remained a goal of the Federal Government.

“Within a space of 14 months of purposeful leadership, the administration has recorded tremendous accomplishments that laid the foundation for immediate, medium and long-term prosperity of Nigerians, in an inclusive manner.

‘’Mr. President approved a Wage Award of N35,000 for a period of six months to cushion the effect on workers. This award was higher than the minimum wage.

“Mr President has just signed into law a new National Minimum Wage Act which prescribed N70,000. This represents more than 100 per cent increase from the last minimum wage (N30,000) and takes retroactive effect from April.”

He added, “As part of the efforts of the FG to take development to the grassroots, the government approached the Supreme Court for a decision on the funding of LGAs in Nigeria. The favourable judgement has now set the LGA on the path to its financial and development autonomy.

“For the first time in our nation, the President created a stand-alone Ministry for the Youth that accounts for a large percentage of our population. Under the N35 billion Nigerian Education Loan Fund,  approved beneficiaries have exceeded the 40,000 mark of the expected 70,000 beneficiaries.”

Food prices soar

Afraid the protest might turn violent and restrict movement, following government’s failed move to stop it, panicky Nigerians stormed markets on Wednesday for last minute grocery shopping, to the delight of traders, who hiked prices of their food items.

“From the news, it appears this protest may not just be another rally. So, I came here to buy food and stock my home for, at least, two weeks. In case the protest goes beyond the stipulated time, my family and I would have something to eat,” Mrs Adeyinka Fakunle told one of our correspondents at Balogun Market, Lagos Island, on Wednesday.

Checks by our correspondents in the last two days showed that food items like rice, beans, yams, garri and noodles had again gone up about the fourth time in 2024 alone.

The PUNCH reports that the impending protest had dominated discussions in the past couple of weeks, with officials in government, urging youths to rather dialogue than stage the protest, noting the possibility of the protests being hijacked by hoodlums and miscreants.

Abuja

At the Garki International Market in Abuja, a 50kg bag of foreign rice, which previously sold for about N79,000 now sold for between N86,000 and N90,000. Yams which only a few weeks ago sold for N5,000 per tuber, sold for N7,000 per tuber and N28,000 for a set of 5.

A mudu (local measure of eight cups) of beans, previously sold for between N2,000 and N2,500, now sells for N3,500 while a mudu of garri, previously N1,300, sold between N1,400 and N1,500. A carton of Indomie noodles previously sold at N7,500 has gone up to N7,700 while a basket of Irish potatoes, sold previously at between N5,000 and N5,500, now sells for N6,000 per basket.

While some traders say they had to increase the prices of food products due to the cost price at depots and places where they purchased the items, others highlighted the difficulty in transporting the products to the market and the scarcity of some of the food items.

A trader, Cynthia Ogu, who sells food items, said, “For instance, I don’t sell eggs in bits anymore. I sell an entire crate, at N4,600. If I sell single, I may sell short. The Indomie (noodles) used to be N7,500. I buy at that amount but I have to make gains somehow, that’s why there is an extra N200. The Super Pack is N17,000 now. And I don’t give a discount; it used to be about N15,000. So, this is why the price is high.”

A visit to the Bwari market on Tuesday equally revealed significant price hikes; with a mudu of white beans selling for N2,600, up from the previous N2,500. Other varieties of beans were however sold for N2,800 and N3,000.

Musa Auwal, an onion seller, sold three onion bulbs for N500, a price that has left customers like Ojoniko Sunday concerned.

Meanwhile, a small bowl of Irish potatoes sold for N7,000, while new yams sold for N4,000 each. The cost of pepper had also risen, with a small basket of red pepper selling for N1,300.

Meanwhile, the Abuja Market Management Limited had over the weekend urged traders and market users to protect the markets from infiltrators who may want to cause mayhem while urging them not to participate in the protests.

In a statement on Sunday, the Acting Managing Director, AMML, Abbas Yakubu, stated, “Abuja Markets Management Limited has urged traders and other Market users in the Federal Capital Territory to support its effort and that of the Security Agencies in ensuring that the market is not infiltrated by people of ignoble intentions in the guise of peaceful protest.

“We have a history of protests and other incidents cascading into wanton destruction of properties in our markets; no responsible Management or trader will fold its hand and wait for it to repeat. That is why we are urging you all to mobilize your fellow traders, the wheelbarrow pushers, your apprentices, and everyone who has legitimate business in the markets, to resist any attempt at infiltrating the market by hoodlums in the guise of protest.”

Funds for food

Some residents of Ogun and Kwara states, who spoke to our correspondents, complained of insufficient funds to stock their homes following the spike in prices.

A market research conducted by one of our correspondents in Ilorin, the state capital, showed that residents had the intention stocking their homes with foodstuff but lacked the financial capacity.

“I was given N13,000 by my husband to buy guinea corn and yam for our family, but what I met in the market is shocking, six tubers of small yam were sold for N10,000 while a tin of guinea corn costs N3,500. The amount of food I bought for our family of 11 with the money I had cannot last more than three days”, a housewife, Musilimatu Onikoko, lamented.

Residents of Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, also rued the hike in food prices, saying it skyrocketed by 50 per cent, leaving them in a state of  economic disarray in the face of the imminent protest.

A resident, Mrs Ukamaka Oleh, said, “As we prepare for the hunger protest, the cost of food items have increased in the markets. This is because what we used to buy with N5000 or N10,000 is now what we spend over N15,000 to buy today.”

In Asaba, the Delta State capital, residents also decried their inability to stock their homes for the upcoming protest following the soaring prices of food item.

An artisan, Uche Ijeh, said, “Most of us depend on our daily incomes and we find it difficult to buy foodstuff, where are we going to get money to stock our houses with food?

Ahead of the #EndBadGovernance protest, many Lagos residents, on Wednesday, stormed food markets in their areas to stock their homes.

In Lagos, markets were unusually crowded with buyers, who were afraid the protest might linger and hinder them from buying fresh supplies.

Some traders at the popular Iyana-Iba market on Wednesday said a large number of their customers had been buying foodstuffs in preparation for today’s protest.

A trader, who sells spaghetti, seasonings and other packed foodstuffs, Mrs Ngozi Okezie, said, “I have had customers from morning and they told me they wanted to have food at home before the protest began.”

During a visit to Kpeti market in Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State by one of our correspondents, residents bought food items in large quantities amid security presence, which a seller at the market, who identified herself simply as Madam Beauty, described as “unusual.”

“We used to have just few policemen at the entrance to the market but today (Wednesday) there were lots of soldiers, so many of them,” she added.

Although, major markets in the state did not open for transactions on Monday, due to the sit-at-home order, smaller markets in Anambra State, which opened, witnessed a large number of buyers and sellers.

At the Relief Market in Onitsha, a buyer, Chidi Okonkwo, said, “I would have bought more foodstuff and medical supplies for the home. It’s unfortunate that the prices of foodstuff have skyrocketed in the past few days. I urge other families to stockpile food and drugs in their homes to take care of any emergencies during the protest.”

 Meanwhile, as plans for the rally reached a climax, the police allegedly confiscated banners and printed materials produced by the Take It Back Movement, one of the organisers of the rally.

The National Coordinator of the group, Tunde Mohammed, said policemen from Abuja command also arrested the printer, Possible Odeh, and a member of the movement on Tuesday.

Mohammed said the two men were still in police custody.

He said, “It happened at 6pm yesterday (Tuesday). Policemen from the FCT command went to where we were printing our banners and placards. They arrested the printer and the man who took the job there. They were handcuffed. They also took away three computers and other gadgets.

“We are not discouraged, not at all. We are set for tomorrow (today) and there are arrangements to bail them.”

Govs beg protesters

Meanwhile, several state governors also made last-ditch efforts to convince the protesters against going ahead with the planned demonstration.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu called on the organisers to shelve their plans and embrace dialogue with the government for their concerns to be addressed.

In a 20-minute address on Wednesday at the Governor’s Office in Alausa, Sanwo-Olu said there was no need for the protest.

He said, “No true Lagosian or friend of Lagos will encourage us to go this route again. That is not who we are; that is not our way and style. Let us not allow our city to be plunged into chaos again. Let us work together to build a Lagos that is safe, secure, and prosperous for all. Our strength lies in our unity, and our future depends on our collective efforts to maintain peace and stability.

“We are actively engaging with various stakeholders to find solutions that promote justice, equality, and fairness. It is through constructive dialogue, not destructive protests, that we can achieve meaningful change. Let us show the world that Lagos remains a city of resilience, where the voices of its people are heard and respected through peaceful and lawful means. Let us reject any attempt to throw the State into violence.”

Sanwa-Olu’s  Taraba counterpart State, Agbu Kefas, urged inhabitants of the state to shun the protest and support the government to serve them better.

To pacify the youths, Kefas announced the establishment of the Taraba State Education Trust Fund, designed to support all students in federal universities, and other tertiary institutions in the country in addition to the free and compulsory education policy of his administration.

The governor said, “In a bid to control the outflow of farm produce from the state, measures will be put in place to ensure that local farmers benefit more from their labour and government will control how food produce leaves the state.

“Soon, we will be embarking on a comprehensive remodelling of all government primary and secondary schools in the state, which will not only improve education but also create job and entrepreneurship opportunities for youths.

“We understand the importance of mental health and tomorrow I will release names of a committee on mental health and wellbeing to address the mental health challenges facing the residents particularly young people suffering from depression. The government is committed to supporting them to recover and overcome.”

The Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, appealed to Kano residents to boycott the protest.

“I urge those, who desire to exercise their human rights to protest to refrain from any form of conduct that could be exploited by agents of destruction. We have received credible intelligence reports that certain disgruntled individuals are recruiting thugs to incite trouble in the state.

“I assure you that the government will not tolerate such actions. Instead, I extend an invitation to those, who wish to demonstrate to come to the Government House, where I will be happy to listen to their grievances and engage them in constructive dialogue,’’ he stated.

In the same vein, Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, asked residents of the state to refrain from the nationwide protest.

Addressing Ebonyi youths on Wednesday during a stakeholders/youths meeting, the governor observed the negative aftermath of protests in recent times, urging them to rethink.

He said, “I am aware of the planned protest against hunger and bad governance scheduled to take place across the country, including Ebonyi State. While I understand the reasons and concerns that have led to this call to action, I strongly urge you all to refrain from participating in this protest.

“As your governor, my administration is committed to addressing the challenges we face, and we are working tirelessly to improve the lives of our citizens.

“However, protests can often lead to unintended consequences, including violence, destruction of property, and disruption of essential services.”

“Instead, I invite you to engage with us through constructive dialogue and peaceful channels such as today’s event. We have established these mechanisms for feedback and complaints, and we are always willing to listen to your concerns.”

In readiness for the street demonstration, the security agencies have continued to deploy operatives across the country.

On Wednesday, soldiers, policemen and operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and Department of State Security  moved through the streets in Osogbo, Osun State, in a show of strength.

A long convoy of about 20 trucks conveyed the armed operatives along Odi-Olowo Street through Isale Osun to Old Garage end of Osogbo.

The Osun State Police Command spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola, said the exercise was to send a signal to anyone planning to foment trouble during the protest.

“It is part of the preparation for tomorrow’s (today) protest. We want to send a signal to anyone who may plan to hijack the protest that we are ready to rise to the occasion and protect lives and properties.”

The security agencies in Kaduna State also conducted a show of force operation on Wednesday to deter potential troublemakers.

No fewer than 2, 500 personnel comprising the police, soldiers and other operatives were said to have been deployed in strategic flashpoints across the state.

The state Commissioner of Police, Audu Dabigi, in a statement issued at the end of the exercise by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Mansir Hassan, said the show of force was meant to warn individuals with malicious intent against disrupting the peace of the state.

“We will not deny citizens their constitutional right to peaceful assembly and protest, but we will not tolerate any form of violence or disruption,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Osun State NSCDC commandant, Michael Adaralewa, has directed all area commanders and divisional heads in the command to ensure adequate protection of lives and property, especially critical national assets.

Adaralewa, who spoke at a meeting he held with the 67 Divisional officers and nine area commanders, heads of departments and units under his command, urged the protesters to respect the rights of those that would not join the demonstration and refrain from act that could put public peace in jeopardy.

“As you are aware, protection of Critical national assets and infrastructure is one of the core mandates of the corps, hence the state command has deployed 2,050 personnel to provide adequate security of lives and property.

“The personnel deployed for this important assignment have been briefed accordingly. The personnel will conduct themselves in a manner that respects fundamental human rights, upholds the dignity of all individuals, and follows international best practices,” Adaralewa said.

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, urged the protesters to obey the court order restricting protesters to the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park in Ojota and Peace Park, Ketu.

He said, “My expectation is that the protest will be largely peaceful and we will perform our normal duty of ensuring that the general area is peaceful, devoid of any violence, and Lagos residents are allowed to go about their normal duties while the protesters are also given adequate protection to carry out their protest.

“A court order has even made it very easy for us. Protesters have been asked to converge on the popular Freedom and Peace parks, so, we will be there in large numbers to give them security coverage.”

In another twist, a Kwara Magistrate Court has ordered the organisers of the protest to restrict themselves to the Metropolitan Square in Ilorin, the state capital.

Granting an exparte order on Wednesday, the Chief Magistrate, Jibril Bio Salihu,  said he agreed with the Attorney-General of the state and Commissioner for Justice,  Senior Ibrahim Sulyman, that the protest could degenerate into violence if protesters were allowed to do as they wished.

The respondents in the case are the Director State Security Service, Kwara State; Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command; Commandant, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps; Take it Back Movement; Buhari Olanrewaju Ahmed and other unknown persons.

 “After listening to Senior Ibrahim Sulyman Esq., Attorney General of Kwara State, the applicant herein and after a careful perusal of the 5 paragraphs affidavit as well as the written address in support of the motion ex-parte, the following orders are hereby granted,” according to the order signed by Chief Magistrate (DCR Litigation) Jibril Bio Salihu.

“An order of interim injunction restraining the 4th-6th respondents whether by themselves, agents, privies, servants or any other person(s) acting through them to converge, carry, conduct any act or form of their proposed peaceful public protest, rallies, processions and or meetings in any other place other than Metropolitan Square/Asa Dam Road, Kwara State in the interest of the general public for a period of 7 days, effective from the 1st August, 2024.

 “It is also ordered that the 1st-3rd respondents are directed to provide adequate security for the protection of lives and properties of all citizens and residents of Kwara State, as well as the infrastructure provided by the Kwara State Government against the 4th-6th respondents act, protest, or any form of protest for a period of 7days effective from the 1st August, 2024 or any other day pending the determination of the motion on notice.

“It is also ordered that all the court processes filed in respect of this suit be served on the 4th-6th respondents by pasting same at the High Court of Justice premises.”

The court adjourned further hearings in the case to 14th of August, 2024.

In a statement on Wednesday,  Adegboruwa stated, “The courage of the organisers of the Hunger and End Bad Governance Protests is commendable. They have demonstrated great zeal and commitment, highlighting the dire situation many Nigerians face daily.”

He criticized the Tinubu administration’s economic policies, particularly the removal of the oil subsidy and currency devaluation, which he argued have worsened the country’s economic crisis.

 “No one can deny the fact of hunger, occasioned by galloping food inflation, in which we now buy a tuber of yam for N10,000,” he noted, pointing out that other staple foods like garri, rice, eggs, bread and beans have become unaffordable for the common people.

He also accused the government of engaging in ethnic and religious rhetoric to deflect criticism, stating, “The propaganda machinery of government has failed in these past days, in the face of the biting hunger and mass suffering.”

Adegboruwa called on Tinubu to address the nation’s economic challenges head-on and reconsider the recent policy changes.

“The twin policies of oil subsidy removal and currency devaluation have crippled the economy and thrown Nigeria into its worst economic crisis. They should be reversed immediately,” he urged.

He also criticised the lavish spending by government officials, citing the purchase of a new jet for the President and the renovation of the Vice President’s house for N21bn as examples of mismanagement.

Addressing the security forces, Adegboruwa emphasised the importance of protecting the rights of protesters.

“The law recognises the right to peaceful protests. Let no single bullet be fired, let there be no arbitrary and unlawful arrests, and let there be no deployment of the military. The protesters are our children and our own citizens. They certainly do not deserve bullets and crackdowns,” he declared.

Adegboruwa acknowledged the moral victory of the organisers, evidenced by the government’s reaction since the protests were announced.

Meanwhile, a civil society organisation, World Institute for Peace, announced its withdrawal from the protest on Wednesday.

Addressing journalists in Osogbo on Wednesday, the Executive Director of the group, Lamina Omotoyosi, said, “As a stakeholder, we cannot afford to experience the previous massive destruction of life and property that came on the heels of the hijacked #EndSARS protest of 2020.

“With regards to the above development and dangerous trend, we want to announce our withdrawal from the planned protest scheduled to start tomorrow, Thursday, August 1, 2024. This withdrawal will affect our youths and student peace advocates cells across Nigeria, and most especially Osun State, the cradle of South West.”

•Additional reports: Deji Lambo, Oluwakemi Abimbola, Gbenga Oloniniran, Godfrey George, Onozure Dania, Tunde Oyekola, Edward Nnachi, Bankole Taiwo, Faith Kordoo, Ikenna Obianeri and Matthew Ochei, Bola Bamigbola, Justin Tyopuusu, Godwin Isenyo and Ted Odogwu