Many people in Nigeria are unhappy with the state of the economy, which is the basis of the planned nationwide protests that are scheduled to start on August 1, 2024. Fuel costs have skyrocketed as a result of the loss of fuel subsidies, making the already expensive expense of living much more severe. Many Nigerians are suffering greatly as a result of the economic burden that has made basic essentials more and more costly. Moreover, there is a sense of dissatisfaction and hopelessness brought on by high Unemployment rates, especially among young people. The demonstrators contend that because government initiatives have not worked to solve these problems, Poverty and inequality have increased.
Vice President Kashim Shettima cautioned against overreacting, saying, “We sympathize with our fellow Nigerians, but a nationwide Protest strategy would not be the best course of action. In order to resolve these problems, constructive communication and involvement are more beneficial. State Minister for Petroleum Resources Heineken Lokpobiri reiterated these views, stressing that “maintaining Peace and stability is crucial, even though we acknowledge the hardships faced by many.” Protests can be manipulated by people with bad intentions, which would impede our advancement.
Protests are a vital instrument for bringing about change.
Prominent protest organizers, the Take It Back Group, are adamant that the demonstrations continue. They said, “We cannot remain silent in the face of such severe hardship,” and requested that Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, provide facilities at Eagle Square and assure their protection. To lessen our suffering, the government needs to pay attention to what we have to say and act quickly. Protests are a vital instrument for bringing about change and a fundamental right.” The October 2020 ENDSARS protests provide an important historical context for the current state of affairs.
The campaign, which was first sparked by public outrage over police brutality, especially that of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), swiftly expanded to include a more general call for institutional change. Protesters demanded an end to economic disparity, corruption, and police violence. The protests were mainly nonviolent, but they ended tragically when protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos were fired upon by Security personnel, leaving many people dead. One big worry for individuals choosing not to participate in the current protests is that this incident brought attention to the possibility that nonviolent marches could be taken over by violent groups.
There are concerns about the protests being hijacked.
Following a meeting of young leaders, the League of Yoruba Youths for Advocacy and Good Governance, which is composed of 94 indigenous youth groups, made the decision to cease protesting. They warned of the possibility of violence and underlined the need for tolerance while the administration attempts to resolve the economic problems. Similarly, citing the brutality during the End SARS campaign, the Kaduna Concerned Group (KCG) and the Enugu Innovative Youths expressed concerns about the protests being hijacked. Along with other regional organizations, the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU) declined to participate, citing security advancements and advocating for positive interactions with the government.
Local labor unions and the state government in Bauchi issued warnings against any disorder and announced their non-support for the protests. The demonstrators’ constitutional right to peaceful assembly was emphasized by Human Rights attorney Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, who demanded police protection for them. “We serve as advocates for the Take It Back Movement, informing your distinguished office of public gatherings, marches, and demonstrations planned by the Take It Back Movement,” he said, stressing the significance of protecting the fundamental rights of every Nigerian.
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Nigeria has experienced a number of notable protests in the past. “Occupy Nigeria,” a protest movement against Fuel Subsidies that began in January 2012, was a reaction to the government’s elimination of fuel subsidies, which sharply raised petrol prices. Numerous Civil Society organizations, labor unions, and regular people came together to participate in the protests, which resulted in the partial reinstatement of the subsidy. Similarly, the 2020 End SARS protests brought global attention to issues of police brutality and administration in Nigeria. Even though these movements have encountered difficulties, they have also shown the value of tackling systemic problems and the strength of group effort.