Thousands of Nigerians took to the streets and social media on Monday to protest against the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (BAT), who is facing mounting criticism for his handling of the country’s economic woes and security threats. Physical protest are erupting in Enugu, Abuja, Lagos and Ibadan among other cities.
The protesters, who used the hashtag #Resign, accused the president of being incompetent, corrupt, and insensitive to the plight of the masses. Some of the protesters carried placards that read “End Nigerian Hardship’.
The protests were sparked by the rising cost of living, the frequent power outages, the insecurity caused by the Boko Haram insurgency and the Fulani herdsmen attacks, and the lack of accountability and transparency in the government.
Economic Hardship and Security Concerns
The protests were sparked by several factors:
- Economic Hardship: The rising cost of living has left many Nigerians struggling to make ends meet. Inflation, unemployment, and a lack of economic opportunities have exacerbated the situation.
- Power Outages: Frequent power outages have disrupted daily life and affected businesses. Citizens are frustrated with the government’s inability to address this critical issue.
- Insecurity: The Boko Haram insurgency and Fulani herdsmen attacks continue to threaten lives and destabilize regions. Citizens feel unsafe, and they blame the government for inadequate security measures.
On X (formerly known as Twitter), the hashtag #Resign has gained momentum. Users are expressing their discontent with President BAT’s leadership. Here are some notable quotes from the Twitter thread:
Emeka: “This is the Nigerian president; all he does is sleep. Why won’t the country be in shambles? Hardship is the order of the day. No economic plan. No security plan. No educational plan. No empowerment/employment plan for the unemployed. #Resign” – @EmperorEzemmuo
The deed is already done; I hope we can move on. A failed nation plagued by tribalism . Whether the South East participated in the protest or not, whatever happens afterward, we are all in it together. Ibadan, Return to Nigeria. Seyi Tinubu. NEPA. President Tinubu. #Resign – @BashirTijani9
The protests also received support from some celebrities and politicians, such as Toyin Abraham, Kunle Afod, Peter Obi, and 2baba, who expressed their solidarity with the protesters and urged the president to listen to their demands.
- Toyin Abraham: “Solidarity with the protesters demanding accountability and change. #Resign”
- Kunle Afod: “We cannot remain silent. Our voices matter. #Resign”
- Peter Obi: “Nigeria deserves better leadership. #Resign”
- 2baba: “The people’s voices cannot be ignored. It’s time for change. #Resign”
President’s Response
President BAT has not directly addressed the protests or the hashtag. His spokesperson, Lamidi Apapa, stated that the president is aware of the situation and is working to improve the lives of Nigerians. However, citizens remain unsatisfied and vow to continue their agitation until their demands are met. As the #Resign movement gains momentum, the nation watches closely to see how the government responds to the people’s outcry.
