Thousands of young Nigerians took to the streets on Thursday to protest against the country’s worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation. In the capital, Abuja, security forces responded with tear gas to disperse the crowds. This wave of protests exposes Nigeria’s growing economic and political divisions.
Early Morning Tension in Abuja
On Thursday, Abuja woke up to tension. At the MKO Abiola National Stadium, hundreds of anti-government protesters gathered to voice their frustrations. They protested against severe economic hardship and corruption. Leading the charge were prominent activists like VeryDarkMan, Deji Adeyanju, and Barr. Kingdom Okere. Chants of “End Bad Government” and “Bring Back Subsidy” filled the air. Protesters carried placards with stark messages: “We are hungry” and “Tinubu, where is the change?”
One of the protesters was 32-year-old Jane Hingir. She shared her emotional struggle to make ends meet, saying, “I’ve been struggling to make ends meet, but it’s getting harder every day.” Her story reflected the broader national struggle, shedding light on the challenges faced by many Nigerians.
Maryam Abdul, a trader from the North, shared her struggles with a failing business and an uncertain future for her children. “I march because I have no choice,” she said, emphasizing the need for change. In contrast, Gabriel, an unemployed man from the capital, revealed his financial desperation as the reason for participating in a pro-government rally. His story highlighted the complexities and contradictions within the protest landscape.
Pro-Government Rally & Hired Protesters
In stark contrast, a pro-government rally took place at the Tinubu/Shettima campaign office the same day. Organized by the Tinubu Support Group, the demonstration was calm and orderly. Participants wore branded T-shirts and caps, displaying their support for President Tinubu. Led by Minister of State for Police Affairs, Hajia Iman Sulaiman-Ibrahim, the rally showcased Nigeria’s divided political landscape.
A parallel demonstration involving hired protesters also emerged. These individuals, recruited to oppose the anti-government protests, carried placards reading “No Protest.” Organized by a man named Blessing Joel, they said they were paid N5,000 each to participate. Many of these protesters came from the suburbs, highlighting how financial desperation influenced political demonstrations. Gabriel, an unemployed man from the capital, admitted he joined the pro-government rally for the N5,000 offered. “I know things are bad in the country, but the money was a big reason why I joined them,” he revealed. This highlighted how economic hardship sways political participation.
The March and Its Consequences
At 12:02 p.m. on Friday, the anti-government protesters began their march toward Eagle Square. A heavy police presence, including FCT Commissioner of Police Bennett Igweh and security personnel from the Army Headquarters Garrison Command, NSCDC, and DSS, added to the tension. A helicopter hovered overhead, intensifying the atmosphere.
By 12:39 p.m., the protesters faced a harsh response at the Central Business District junction near the United Nations building. Security forces deployed tear gas, and reports emerged of a protester being feared shot dead while trying to escape. Despite this, the protesters regrouped at the MKO Abiola National Stadium by 1:50 p.m., their determination undeterred.
Contrasting Responses: Anti-Government vs. Pro-Government
The handling of various protests demonstrated significant differences. Anti-government protests were met with harsh crackdowns, while pro-government rallies were allowed to proceed without difficulty. This unequal treatment sparked criticism and underscored perceived inconsistencies in the government’s handling of dissent. The disparity became a major point of contention for critics, prompting concerns about fairness and justice.
Voices from the Government
During the unrest, government officials made statements. The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, addressed the nation, cautioning that the protests might result in more violence and setbacks. Although his speech was intended to calm the unrest, it did not satisfy many. Additionally, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike urged protesters to engage in dialogue, stating, “The government is ready to listen,” in an effort to reduce tensions. However, the protesters were skeptical of this call for dialogue, feeling that their voices were not being heard.
The Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, also attempted to address the protesters in Abuja but faced resistance. His efforts to mediate were overshadowed by the escalating violence and the protesters’ frustration.
The government responded to the protests by deploying security forces and imposing curfews. While the aim was to quell dissent, these measures also carried the risk of stifling democratic expression. Public reaction was mixed, with some supporting the government’s actions and others condemning the excessive use of force. This response raised questions about the implications for democratic processes and civil liberties.
Violence and Casualties
The protests escalated into violence, particularly in the North. At least 14 people, including a policeman, were killed in several states, including Niger, Borno, Kaduna, and Kebbi. The violence prompted a 24-hour curfew in Borno and Kano to curb further unrest. The destruction and chaos in these regions highlighted the depth of frustration and desperation felt by many protesters. Hoodlums joined and caused mayhem in these places.
The aftermath of the protests will cast a long shadow over Nigeria’s future. The heavy-handed response risked deterring public dissent and impacting democratic expression. The economic reforms introduced by President Tinubu were scrutinized more closely, and the long-term effects on Nigerian society and politics remained uncertain.
Ultimately, the personal stories of protesters like Maryam and Gabriel resonated deeply. Their struggles and determination highlighted the enduring human spirit amidst adversity. Despite the political and economic complexities, these narratives underscored a persistent quest for justice and change in Nigeria.
As Abuja and the nation moved forward, the echoes of the protesters’ chants and their personal stories served as a powerful reminder of the enduring quest for rights and justice in a challenging and uncertain landscape.
Source: Vanguard
