With just 24 hours remaining before the planned 10-day hunger protest, the Federal Government has implemented several measures aimed at quelling the demonstration.
The protest, organized by the Take It Back movement, is set to occur nationwide from August 1 to 10 under the banner “Days of Rage,” intended to highlight issues of hunger and bad governance. However, there have been concerns from various quarters, including prominent government officials, religious bodies, and other influential figures, about the potential for the protest to be hijacked by groups with ulterior motives.
Calls for Caution and Security Concerns
Notably, the Christian Association of Nigeria, the Muslim Student Society of Nigeria (Lagos chapter), and the Muslim Rights Concern have all expressed fears that the protest could be infiltrated by elements seeking to destabilize the country. Former Niger Delta militant leader Mujahid Asari-Dokubo has also warned the protest organizers against coming to the Niger Delta, arguing that their agenda does not address the region’s specific issues and alleging that they are primarily interested in its resources.
Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has advised all groups intending to participate in the protest to register with their respective state Commissioners of Police to ensure the demonstration remains peaceful. While recognizing the constitutional right to peaceful assembly, Egbetokun emphasized the importance of maintaining public safety and order.
Protest Endorsements
Despite these concerns, the protest has received backing from high-profile political figures, including Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party and Peter Obi of the Labour Party.
Steps Taken by the Federal Government
In response to the planned protest, the Federal Government has taken several steps to address the concerns raised by the movement and to demonstrate its commitment to alleviating the economic hardship faced by citizens. These include:
1. Affordable Food Initiatives: President Bola Tinubu has established centers nationwide where Nigerians can purchase a 50kg bag of rice for ₦40,000. This is part of a broader effort to ease the burden of living costs on the populace.
2. Crude Oil Sales in Naira: Tinubu has directed the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited to sell crude oil to the Dangote refinery and other emerging refineries in naira, rather than foreign currency. This move is expected to lower the prices of domestically refined petroleum products and strengthen the naira.
3. Engagement with Governors: Tinubu has met with governors from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to discuss the growing calls for protests against economic hardship, signaling the administration’s recognition of public discontent.
4. Suspension of Import Duties: Although he initially announced plans to halt import duties on food and essential commodities, Tinubu has now suspended these duties to cushion the effects of inflation. This action is aimed at making essential goods more affordable.
5. Emergency Meetings with Traditional Rulers and Religious Leaders: The President has held emergency meetings with prominent traditional rulers and Islamic scholars (Ulamas) to ensure that the planned protest is averted.
6. Youth Internship Scheme: The Federal Government, through the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has launched a Youth Internship Scheme for 10,000 youths in the Niger Delta, offering ₦50,000 monthly stipends as part of efforts to address youth unemployment and restiveness in the region.
7. Restoration of Blocked Phone Lines: The Nigerian Communications Commission has directed telecom operators to immediately restore phone lines that were blocked due to the non-linkage of National Identification Numbers to SIM cards. This move is intended to alleviate the widespread disruption caused by these blockages.
8. New Minimum Wage: On Monday, President Tinubu signed a new Minimum Wage Act into law, setting the minimum wage at ₦70,000. The ceremony was attended by key legislative leaders and comes nearly two weeks after the agreement with organized labor unions, including the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria.
As the protest date approaches, it remains to be seen whether these measures will be sufficient to prevent the nationwide demonstrations from going ahead.
