With just days to go before the August 1 nationwide protest against increasing hardship, tensions are high between Nigeria’s police force and protest organisers. The central police command and protest organisers are at odds over the protest’s legality.
The police demand details from organisers to ensure a peaceful protest. However, organiser Deji Adeyanju argues that the police have no right to make such demands, claiming it undermines constitutional rights.
Adding to the controversy, lawyer and activist Ebun Adegboruwa accuses telecommunications companies of trying to hinder the protest by blocking subscribers’ numbers. The telecom companies deny these allegations, stating their commitment to service provision.
The Nigeria Police Force defended its request for details from protest organisers, citing security concerns. Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, asked organisers to provide their plans, including routes and assembly points. Adeyanju disagrees, saying there’s no constitutional basis for such requests.
Force spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, explained that knowing who is planning the protests is essential for safety and preventing unlawful activities. He stressed that the police are not denying the right to protest but want to ensure it is done peacefully.
Telecom operators vehemently denied plans to frustrate the protest. Senior lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa claimed network restrictions have increased as the protest date nears, suggesting an attempt to hinder the movement. Telecom companies insist that such allegations are baseless and reiterate their apolitical stance.
The chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators in Nigeria, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, dismissed the accusations, stating their contract with the people prevents them from interfering in such matters. The disruptions, he explained, are due to the deadline for SIM-NIN linkage, not an effort to thwart the protest.
The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), His Eminence, The Most Rev Dr. Daniel Okoh, called for caution from both protest organisers and the federal government. He urged Nigerians to consider alternative means of expressing grievances, like dialogue and petitions, to avoid potential violence.
The Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, supports the protest, attributing its cause to widespread hunger and hopelessness among the youth. He urged protesters to remain peaceful and within the law while advising the government to listen to their concerns.
Former APC Vice Chairman, Northwest, Salihu Lukman, also criticised the government’s response, accusing President Bola Tinubu of attempting to criminalise the protest. He argued that such actions only reveal the administration’s insensitivity to the people’s plight.
Indigenous youths in Lagos State have warned against the planned protest, fearing potential violence. Under the Indigenous Youth Network banner, they stated their readiness to defend their heritage against any form of disruption. They believe the protest is politically motivated and not in the best interest of Lagosians.
The Afenifere group is split on the protest. The Reuben Fasoranti-led faction opposes it, calling it ill-conceived and potentially destructive. Meanwhile, the Ayo Adebanjo-led faction supports the protest, attributing it to economic hardships caused by the government’s policies.
CAN and other leaders urged the government to address the root causes of the protests. They recommend cutting the cost of governance, implementing the new national minimum wage, and improving infrastructure to alleviate the people’s suffering.
The upcoming protest in Nigeria is indicative of the significant unrest in the country, fueled by economic hardships and a demand for better governance. Both sides maintain firm stances, raising the potential for conflict if a resolution is not reached. As the protest date approaches, all eyes will be on the government and police to see how they handle the situation and whether the protest will remain peaceful.
Source: Vanguard
