With only 24 hours left before the scheduled 10-day hunger protest, the Federal Government has taken preemptive measures to thwart the demonstration.
In a recent development, the Take It Back movement initiated a nationwide protest against hunger and poor governance in the country.
This protest, termed “Days of Rage,” was planned to occur nationwide from August 1 to 10.
However, concerns have been raised by prominent government figures, organizations, and religious bodies like the Christian Association of Nigeria, the Muslim Student Society of Nigeria (Lagos chapter), and the Muslim Rights Concern, citing apprehensions that the protest could be hijacked by malicious infiltrators.
Even former Niger Delta freedom fighter, Mujahid Asari-Dokubo, cautioned the protest organizers against coming to the Niger Delta region.
Dokubo-Asari alleged that the protest’s agenda did not address the issues faced by the people of Niger Delta.
Challenging them to visit the region, he warned of resistance, claiming that their motives were solely focused on exploiting the region’s resources, branding them as ‘anarchists.’
Moreover, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, urged all groups intending to partake in the proposed nationwide protest to furnish their details to the Commissioners of Police in their respective states.
He emphasized that this step was crucial to maintaining the peace during the protest.
Egbetokun stated, “While we recognize the constitutional right of Nigerian citizens to peaceful assembly and protest, we urge all planning groups to liaise with the Commissioner of Police in their intended protest state for necessary coordination.”
Despite gaining momentum on social media, the protest received endorsements from presidential candidates Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party and Peter Obi.
Outlined below are the key initiatives taken by the Federal Government to prevent the protest, deemed unnecessary as they call for time for President Tinubu to govern.
1. Establishment of centers nationwide by Tinubu where individuals can purchase a 50kg bag of rice for N40,000.
The FG cited this as one of several efforts under the Tinubu administration to improve living conditions for citizens.
2. Directive from Tinubu to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited to trade crude with the Dangote refinery and other upcoming refineries in naira.
This move is expected to lower the prices of locally refined petroleum products, as stated by oil marketers, refiners, and experts, appreciating the initiative.
3. Meeting held by Tinubu with All Progressives Congress governors under the umbrella of the Progressives Governors Forum at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, to address the growing calls for nationwide protests against economic challenges.
4. Suspension of import duties on food and essential commodities by Tinubu to alleviate the impact of inflation in Nigeria. Import duties on food were removed on Monday.
5. Emergency meetings conducted by the President with prominent traditional rulers and Ulamas (Islamic religious scholars) at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, as part of government efforts to avert the planned hunger protest from August 1 to 10 nationwide.
6. Introduction of the Youth Internship Scheme initiated by the NDDC for 10,000 youths in the Niger Delta region, including approval of N50,000 monthly stipends for them.
7. Directive issued by the Nigerian Communications Commission to telecommunications operators to immediately restore all blocked phone lines linked to National Identification Numbers and SIM cards.
This order, communicated in a statement by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, aims to address disruptions caused by the blockages and prioritize consumer convenience.
8. Signing of the new Minimum Wage Act into law by President Bola Tinubu on Monday.
This brief event was attended by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, and the House Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvberem, who represented the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.