Tensions are mounting nationwide as Nigerians prepare for a mass protest over the economic hardships attributed to President Bola Tinubu’s policies. Since Tinubu became president, fuel prices have surged, and the costs of transportation, food, housing, and other essentials have skyrocketed by over 300%.
This situation has sparked campaigns for peaceful protests, increasing pressure on the federal government. However, civil society organizations, led by Rising Up for a United Nigeria (RUN) and the Coalition of Civil Society Groups for National Stability and Cohesion, are calling on Nigerians to reject the planned nationwide protest set for August 1.
During a media briefing in Abuja, Solomon Adodo, convener of RUN, along with Danesi Momoh of the Empowerment for Unemployed Youth Initiative and Igwe Ude-umanta of Guardians of Democracy and Development, urged Nigerians not to be influenced by “unpatriotic” elements aiming to destabilize the country. They stressed the importance of exercising the right to peaceful protest while remaining cautious of those exploiting Nigeria’s challenges to incite unrest.
“While we respect the right to peaceful protest as a fundamental aspect of our democracy, it is crucial to remain vigilant and not be swayed by those who seek to destabilize our beloved country for their own gain,” Adodo stated.
The coalition highlighted the potential dangers, warning that the protest could be hijacked, similar to the EndSARS protests, leading to loss of lives and properties. They accused certain individuals of using the country’s initial challenges under Tinubu’s administration to incite Nigerians.
Despite the hardships caused by the fuel subsidy removal, they noted that Tinubu’s administration is addressing these issues through various initiatives. Among these are the approval of centers for converting petrol and diesel-powered vehicles to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) at no cost to vehicle owners under the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (P-CNGi), efforts to enhance refinery performance, tackle farmers-herders clashes, implement a new minimum wage, and support farmers with inputs and distribution of grains.
The coalition urged Nigerians to support President Tinubu and resist attempts to create chaos, stating, “We must stand by him while offering fair and constructive criticisms where necessary.”