Nigeria Braces for 10 Days Nationwide Protest

States across the federation are on edge due to the planned 10-day nationwide hunger and hardship protest by some anonymous Nigerian youths, aiming to draw attention to the worsening conditions in the country.

Governors and security agencies are uneasy about the plan, urging dialogue with the government at all levels. Media reports indicate the protest is set for August 1 to August 10, 2024.

Citing the loss of life and property during the #EndSARS protest, governors and stakeholders have appealed to the organisers to cancel their plans, emphasizing that their concerns are being addressed. The rally organisers assert, "This hunger is too much."

The federal government acknowledged awareness of the hunger rally plan on Thursday, stating that "the identities of many of the brains behind the protest are known, along with their collaborators who are safely residing abroad, and the government is taking necessary actions to stop their subversive plans."

The director-general of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa Onilu, in a statement issued in Abuja, said the agency’s nationwide structure had identified the sponsors of the proposed protest and potential flashpoints. He mentioned that the government would take measures to prevent violence in these locations, claiming that the protest's intentions were to destabilize the country for narrow political reasons.

Gombe State governor Inuwa Yahaya urged the youth not to participate in the protest during a speech at the launch of a dredging exercise to prevent flooding. He called on the police to enforce law and order to stop demonstrations in the state.

Yobe State governor, Mai Mala Buni, also advised youths, particularly in the North East, to refrain from protests, warning that it would be dangerous and counterproductive. Speaking at the launch of the Ethical and Re-orientation Campaign in Damaturu, he emphasized the importance of maintaining the hard-earned peace in the region.

Kano State commissioner for information, Baba Dantiye, stated that the state would monitor the situation and take proactive measures. Ambassador Ibrahim Waiya of Citizens for Development and Education (CDE) called for calm, asserting that street protests are not the best way to address issues.

In Niger State, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago secured a commitment from youth organizations and organized labor to avoid the protest, announcing a N2 billion bursary for students as part of measures to alleviate economic hardship.

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, along with the Shehu of Borno and the state chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), appealed to citizens to embrace dialogue instead of protests. Governor Zulum stressed the importance of constructive engagement during a stakeholders' meeting.

In Ebonyi State, Governor Francis Nwifuru, Minister of Works David Umahi, and DiG Foundation's senior program manager, Mr. Anele Okoro-Agha, confirmed that local youths and CSOs would not participate in the protest. The federal government is working to alleviate the current hardship, and Umahi urged residents to be patient.

In Akwa Ibom State, commissioners highlighted Governor Umo Eno’s initiatives to reduce food prices and provide relief to the poor.

Various CSOs and political groups have weighed in on the planned protest. Comrade Debo Odeniran of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights emphasized the right to peaceful protest but warned against causing economic disruption. The Social Democratic Party supported the protest but urged security agencies to respond with civility.

In Delta State, Comrade Victor Ojei advised against protests due to security concerns, advocating for systemic change and holding leaders accountable.

A Bauchi State rights group, PIDI-Nigeria, stressed the need for a clear blueprint for any protest to be effective.

Northern student and youth groups have largely withdrawn from the protest, condemning it as potentially harmful and politically motivated. The Arewa Concerned Citizens Forum and the Southern Kaduna People’s Union both expressed support for constructive engagement over protests.

Security agencies, including the Nigerian Air Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, have mobilized personnel and taken precautionary measures to prevent violence during the planned protests. The NSCDC has deployed undercover officers to monitor and curb potential unrest.

The overall sentiment from state governments, security agencies, and various organizations is a strong preference for dialogue and constructive engagement over street protests, highlighting the potential risks and advocating for peaceful resolutions to the citizens' grievances