Protesters Vow Nationwide Shutdown on Monday Despite Presidential Plea

Nigerians are preparing to shut down the country on Monday, defying President Bola Tinubu’s appeal for calm and dialogue. This comes after the president’s Sunday address, where he urged protesters to suspend their actions and engage in discussions.

“I hereby enjoin protesters and the organisers to suspend any further protests and create room for dialogue, which I have always supported at the slightest opportunity,” President Tinubu said in his broadcast.

However, the president’s call did little to quell the growing unrest, as he failed to directly address the core issues raised by the demonstrators. Among their demands are the reversal of the fuel subsidy removal and effective measures to tackle the escalating food crisis.

In Jos, the capital of Plateau State, protesters held a service at their gathering site on Sunday, presided over by Senior Pastor Isah El-Buba of EBOMI Ministry. During the service, it was resolved that the protests would continue on Monday due to the government’s failure to address their grievances.

“The protest continues tomorrow at the Old Airport Roundabout, Jos,” Pastor El-Buba confirmed on X (formerly Twitter), dismissing rumors that the demonstrations had been called off.

On social media, the hashtag #OccupyAbuja gained traction on Sunday as citizens rallied for a massive protest in the nation’s capital. Many called for all protests across other states to converge in Abuja, the focal point of their campaign.

“All protests in every other state should discontinue. All roads lead to Abuja—that’s where the main protest should hold. #OccupyAbuja,” tweeted @dilibeneng.

Another user, @Danielojiakor, declared, “The ‘Mother of the #EndBadGovernanceProtest’ is set to commence on Monday, August 5, 2024, with the sub-slogan #OccupyAbuja.”

Activist Omoyele Sowore, a prominent voice in the protests, announced that demonstrations would continue in Akure, Ondo State, and Lagos. “Akure is NOW ON BOARD!,” Sowore tweeted, sharing a flyer for the protest planned at Nepa Roundabout in Akure.

In Lagos, protesters are determined to shut down Alausa, the state’s commercial hub, despite attacks by hoodlums on Sunday. Demonstrators have vowed to press on with their actions.

The Take It Back Movement, a group actively involved in the protests, urged continued participation. “Unite for change on Day 5 of #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests across Lagos! Join the movement to end the failing system and build a brighter future for all. Locate your nearest protest site and be part of the change!” the group posted on X.

The protests, which began on August 1, have already resulted in significant bloodshed, with over 23 citizens reportedly killed by Nigerian police during the demonstrations against economic hardships.

Amnesty International has raised concerns about the Nigerian police’s use of excessive force, including the reckless shooting of protesters at close range. Despite video evidence showing police firing live rounds, authorities have denied responsibility for the deaths.

On Saturday, the third day of the nationwide protests, security forces reportedly fired live bullets at vehicles carrying reporters near the Moshood Abiola Stadium, causing widespread panic.