Politics

Nationwide Protest: See the Details of Ending Protest in all States

Published by Tope Fakinlede on August 7th, 2024.

Nationwide Protest: See the Details of Ending Protest in all States

Normalcy has returned to many regions as protests against the rising cost of living have dwindled.

In states like Akwa Ibom, Osun, and Edo, demonstrations have ceased, leaving only Rivers State among the 17 Southern states still actively protesting. Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, also saw a return to routine as protests subsided.

Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub, resumed its usual vibrancy after protesters vacated the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, following a broadcast by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday.

In Oyo, Ogun, and Delta states, the protests were barely noticeable yesterday. Ondo, Ekiti, and the Southeastern states of Anambra, Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi, and Imo remained peaceful. Niger and Nasarawa have also been calm since the weekend.

In Benue, where youths did not participate in the protests, Governor Hycienth Alia commended their restraint.

Katsina and Kano states saw a relaxation of the 24-hour curfew imposed earlier as peace gradually returned.

FCT

In Abuja, security forces were still present at key locations like the Moshood Abiola National Stadium and other public areas, even though the protests had ended. A drive through the city revealed a return to normal business activities.

Edo

In Benin, the state capital, commercial and government activities resumed. The state secretariat reopened for the first time in six days, and shop owners were actively displaying their goods. Roadblocks set up by security agencies were removed, improving mobility. However, many banks remained closed, leaving some customers stranded.

A coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) that had protested at King Square on Ring Road has also withdrawn.

Osun

In Osogbo, protesters suspended their demonstration to deliver a letter to Governor Ademola Adeleke. Deputy Governor Kola Adewusi accepted the letter at the Government Secretariat and assured that it would be forwarded to President Tinubu. He encouraged the protesters to pursue dialogue and acknowledged their orderly behavior.

Adewusi highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to address public needs, including paying salaries and backlogs, and assured that palliative measures would be distributed once federal supplies were received.

Following the letter submission, the Coalition for Concerned Nigerian Citizens announced an indefinite suspension of their protest, citing the upcoming Osun Osogbo Festival.

Adetunji Ajala, speaking for the coalition, noted their dissatisfaction with President Tinubu’s address but acknowledged their successful delivery of demands to Governor Adeleke.

Akwa Ibom

In Akwa Ibom, protest sites in the state capital were empty. Governor Umo Eno praised the youth for their choice of peace over protest. In response, his administration plans to launch a social welfare program to support approximately 5,000 youths with monthly aid.

Governor Eno expressed his gratitude, stating, “Our youths chose dialogue over protest, and we will reciprocate with a new welfare program. I am deeply thankful to them for their decision to work together for the common good.”