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Tag: Economic Hardship

  • Nigerian President Tinubu Calls for End to Protests Amid Economic Reforms and Rising Tensions

    Nigeria’s Tinubu Appeals for Calm Amid Widespread Protests Over Economic Hardship

    In a dramatic turn of events, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has issued a heartfelt plea for an end to the violent protests that have erupted across the country in response to his administration’s economic policies. The President’s call for peace comes as demonstrations, sparked by soaring living costs and economic reforms, have intensified, leading to significant unrest and casualties.

    Tinubu’s Address: A Call for Peace and Dialogue

    In a televised address on August 4, 2024, President Tinubu acknowledged the widespread frustration among Nigerians, particularly the youth, who have taken to the streets to protest against the rising cost of living. Tinubu assured the public that his government is committed to addressing their concerns but urged for the suspension of protests to prevent further violence and destruction.

    “My dear Nigerians, especially our youth, I have heard you loud and clear,” Tinubu said. “I understand the pain and frustration that drive these protests, and I want to assure you that our government is committed to listening and addressing the concerns of our citizens. But we must not let violence and destruction tear our nation apart.”

    Economic Reforms and Public Reaction

    Since taking office in May 2023, President Tinubu has implemented several controversial economic reforms aimed at tackling Nigeria’s deep-rooted economic issues. These reforms include the partial removal of petrol and electricity subsidies and the devaluation of the naira. Tinubu has defended these measures as necessary steps to rectify years of economic mismanagement and to put the country on a path to sustainable growth.

    However, the public’s reaction has been overwhelmingly negative. On August 1, thousands of Nigerians began protesting against the government’s policies, demanding reductions in fuel prices and electricity tariffs. The protests have quickly gained momentum, with demonstrators mobilizing both on the streets and online.

    Activists and Critics Respond

    The President’s address has been met with mixed reactions from activists and critics. Opeyemi Folarin, a prominent Lagos-based activist, described Tinubu’s speech as “underwhelming” and criticized the President for failing to make significant concessions. “If he was willing for dialogue, he should have made a concession,” Folarin told Al Jazeera, emphasizing that protesters are determined to continue their demonstrations until the government addresses their demands.

    Ahmed Idris, reporting from a protest in Lagos, noted that while Tinubu’s administration is focusing on economic reforms, the President’s speech did not address the fundamental demands of the protesters, particularly the reinstatement of fuel subsidies. “People are really desperate for relief,” Idris said. “That is why people are going to continue to demand quicker reforms and government action to ease the pain.”

    Security Forces and Human Rights Concerns

    The protests have also led to significant clashes with security forces. Amnesty International has accused Nigerian police of using excessive force, resulting in at least 13 reported deaths. The organization has called for the release of detained protesters and has criticized the use of live ammunition to disperse crowds.

    In response to these allegations, President Tinubu urged security operatives to maintain peace while adhering to human rights conventions. “Security operatives should continue to maintain peace, law, and order in our country following the necessary conventions on human rights, to which Nigeria is a signatory,” Tinubu stated.

    Government Response and Future Prospects

    In his address, Tinubu highlighted ongoing efforts to address the economic crisis, including increased government spending on infrastructure projects, a new loan scheme for university students, and the construction of housing units across Nigeria’s 36 states. These measures are part of a broader strategy to stimulate economic growth and improve public services.

    Government revenues have seen a substantial increase, more than doubling to 9.1 trillion naira ($5.55 billion) in the first half of 2024. Notably, the proportion of revenue allocated to debt servicing has decreased from 97 percent to 68 percent since Tinubu assumed office.

    SOURCE: AL JAZEERA

  • Nationwide Protests Begin In Nigeria Over Economic Hardship

    The long-awaited #EndBadGovernance protest in Nigeria has kicked off in several cities across the country.

    The protest will hold from August 1st to 10th.

    Business activities were grounded in some parts of the country on Thursday, while roads were also deserted as protesters defy last-minute push by authorities to stop the demonstrations.

    In Abuja, protesters gathered early at the approved Moshood Abiola National Stadium before moving to the Eagle Square.

    In a bid to stop the protesters from advancing to the Eagle Square, the Police fired tear gas to disperse them.

    There were also counter-protesters at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

    One of the organisers of the protest in the FCT, Comrade Deji Adeyanju insisted that the protesters will not be intimidated by security operatives.

    He told newsmen at the MKO Abiola Stadium that the protesters will be peaceful and desist from acts of violence.

    He however cautioned security operatives to refrain on infringing on the rights of the protesters and should rather provide them adequate security.

    In Lagos, Protesters gathered at Ikeja Underbridge but later marched to the court approved location at Ojota for further rallies.

    The large crowd of protesters at the Gani Fawehinmi park, carried placards with various inscriptions.

    The police was on ground to prevent miscreants from hijacking the protests.

    Protesters also had a short gathering around the Lekki Toll gate to demand good governanance in the country.

    You need to know that the toll gate in Lekki is not part of the two designated locations directed by the court in Lagos.

    Some of the protesters told newsmen that they decided to demonstrate at the toll gate because of the distance of their homes to the confined locations in the state.

    They insisted that it was their right to protest as Nigerians and won’t allow a court order to invalidate their rights.

     

    #EndBadGovernance protest in Kano turns violent

     

    It was a different story in Kano as the protest turned violent in the state.

    Most of the busy roads in the city were empty with less vehicular movement and there were no tricycles for commercial operations.

    Protesters looted the yet-to-be-commissioned Nigeria Communication Commission Industrial Park while a part of the premises was set on fire.

    There were also reports of Kano protesters going on a looting spree to steal furniture, mattresses, bags of rice, and other reported items emerged.

    Thirteen persons have been arrested in connection to various cases of vandalism in the state while a 24 hour curfew has been declared.

    While the hunger protests were ongoing, other set of anti-protest demonstrator surfaced around the Tarauni local government area of the state, carrying placards with various inscriptions in support of the government.

    Bomb blast in Borno kills 16 persons

    In Borno, there is also a 24-hour curfew in all 27 Local Government Areas of the State.

    In a statement, the police said the curfew was declared following an explosion in Kawori area of the state that led to the death of 16 persons.

    The statement added that the police had held consultations with the State Governor Babagana Zulum and other critical stakeholders before arriving at the decision.

    In Anambra state, economic activities and government operations were grounded as many businesses were completely shut down.

    There was no single protester in sight.

    There were only a few police personnel who were seen at strategic places monitoring the development.

    Some residents said the successful grounding of activities in the state through sit-at-home, was enough protest.

    There was an appreciable turnout of protesters in Asaba the capital city of delta state.

    Commercial centres, including banks and markets, were closed during the peaceful protests which began about 11:00 am.

    The Protesters with placards bearing inscriptions such as #EndBadGovernment and “Hardship Everywhere” gathered at the popular Interbus Roundabout amid a heavy presence of security agencies.

    They matched through the streets of Nnebisi and anwai Roads but they were stopped from gaining access to government house by security men.

    Not satisfied with the development, they returned to their base at interbus roundabout where they were addressed by the police.

     

    POLICE IG reacts

     

    The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun says the ongoing nationwide protest is a deliberate attempt to create mayhem in the country.

    In a statement released on Thursday, the IGP said the mayhem was targeted on the polity, innocent citizens, markets, stores, private and public properties, as well as critical infrastructure of government.

    According to him, the name given to the movement behind the protest, “TAKE IT BACK MOVEMENT” has far-reaching undemocratic, unconstitutional and illegal connotations.

    He gave the assurance that the police will use all constitutional means in curtailing any violence that might result from the protest.

     

    Source: Swifteradio.com