BY AWELE OGBOGU
As the parable goes, an elder does not stay at home and a goat will deliver in her tethers. While the people are waiting for the President to deliver on his promises, to prevent the worst from happening due to the planned nationwide protest on August 1, a cross section of stakeholders, mostly traditional rulers, political and religious leaders, elder statesmen and youth bodies alike and leaders of thought in their own right, have stepped in on the frenzy and apprehension occasioned by the proposed protests.
Despite the suffering in the land, many did not hide their opposition to the idea due to the ease with which it could spiral out of control. For instance, in Delta State, the National Association of Delta State Students (NADESSTU) and Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) Youth Wing were some of the groups that have so far publicly rejected the impending protest, while vowing to protect public infrastructure in all parts of the state, meaning that youths who used to be the active force in such protests are getting to know better. They tried to explain to those bent on protest that, virtually everyone feels the hunger pangs, but sometimes it is better to listen to the louder pangs of reason, especially now that the president has begged, saying that he is working to end the nation’s problems, notably to defeat hunger and starvation.
If the youths were wrong in their stand, the elders did not say anything different. Dein of Agbor, Keagborekuzi Ikenchuku Gbenoba, appealed against destructive protests, urging the arrow heads to work with the government to find solutions to the country’s challenges. He expressed concerns over the nation’s present direction, thus acknowledging the pain of the people. While emphasizing the need to listen to the masses, he urged all parties to work together to avoid potential destructive consequences, saying that “Libya should serve as a deterrent”.
The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Oba Ewuare II, in a statement, appealed to youths across the country to shelve the planned nationwide protest against hardship. The statement was endorsed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Osaigbovo Iguobaro. He also appealed to aggrieved Nigerians to give the federal government enough time to implement its economic policies, expected to alleviate the present hardship being experienced by Nigerians. “For things to get better, it has to be tough for a while for the federal government to intensify efforts in the implementation of its economic and security policies.”
In a communiqué in the course of last week, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), quoting the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), observed the growing momentum for the planned August protest, saying it demands government’s attention. NGF, however, believed the NSA was committed to supporting the governors in improving security architecture at the sub-national level. In the communique issued after a meeting of the governors last Wednesday, Abdul Rahman Abdul Razaq, chair of the forum and Kwara State Governor, said the NSA briefed them on “growing momentum” for the protests. “The NGF received a briefing from the National Security Adviser’s (NSA) office on the current security situation in the country. The NSA noted the growing momentum for a planned protest demanding government attention. The NSA is committed to supporting the governors in improving security architecture at the subnational level. “The governors thanked the NSA and reinstated its commitment to enhance the security of lives and properties at the subnational.”
The NGF chair said governors received Ndiame Diop, new country director of the World Bank, and his team. “They introduced themselves to the Forum and presented the Bank’s various programmes currently being implemented in the states, including HOPE (Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equality), Food and Nutrition Security,” he said.
Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III and the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, have also called for caution because the idea of protest was inauspicious. At the same time, the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Oba Ewuare, in a last minute push, appealed to the arrow heads of the planned protest across the country to shelve the planned nationwide protest against hardship. Speaking at a meeting where he received the Letter of Credence from the newly appointed United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Richard Mills Jr, Tinubu however recognised that protests are an integral part of any democracy, but that his government would not condone demonstrations that could lead to the destruction of lives and property.
Could this be a case of being once beaten, twice shy? Recall that during the ENDSARS protest, the incumbent president, Bola Tinubu was ‘in the eye of the storm’ due to reported fatalities in Lagos ruled by his political godson, Babajide Sanwo-Olu. And when he assumed office as President, he inherited Buhari’s indecision over some of the protesters who are said to be languishing in prison over their involvement in the protest. So the president appears to be a man who trembles at the likelihood of another protest with him in the saddle, the outcome of which no one knows, not even the DSS. But the ‘secret police’ seemed to be sure that nothing good can come out of it, declaring that having identified the sponsors, they would have none of it. Usually, when the DSS speaks, many shiver.
The Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), the chief security officers of the 36 states, disclosed that the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, briefed them on growing momentum for the planned protest, which required government’s attention. Similarly, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) told the organisers of the protest that it would not tolerate any form of lawlessness, or actions that could lead to a state of anarchy in the country, from any group. The Department of State Services (DSS), said the motive is already known, which it claimed was to pitch the people against the government. This was as a pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and political organisation, Afenifere appealed to Nigerians to be circumspect on the issue of the nationwide protests being contemplated by some people in the country.
The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, who must be the chief security officer of Abuja, took his eyes off the Rivers crisis to focus on the protest. In his current agitation, no one knows how many times he must have used his famous soubriquet “Who does that?”. He has made it clear that the nation’s capital was not available for any protest.
Nonetheless, the Trade Union Congress (TUC), has asked the federal government to ensure that security agencies maintain peace and protect citizens including those participating in any protest. However, assuring the President of support with prayers and more sensitization of their subjects on what to expect from the president, the Ulamas, led by Sheikh Bala Lau, advocated peace and God’s guidance in handling the situation. “Peace is paramount for us in the country. The first thing Abraham asked God for was peace and guidance,’’ Lau noted.
The Ooni of Ife, who is co-chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, urged protesters to exercise their civic rights peacefully, warning against the protest being hijacked by individuals with sinister motives. According to him, the nation’s traditional rulers condemned violent acts, looting, and breakdown of law and order, stressing their role as parents and leaders in engaging with youth. He however, advocated dialogue, voting out unpopular leaders, and collective nation-building, acknowledging Nigeria’s challenges.
The Sultan of Sokoto said, “I believe that this brief meeting will clear some issues that many people have in their minds. At our meeting last Monday, we had a very open discussion on all issues affecting the nation. We are the ones who will tell you the truth about what is happening in our various communities.” Tinubu said “Yes, it is true that I asked for this job and I approached some of you to support me. So, I have no excuse not to do the job with sincerity of purpose and honesty. I have committed myself to it diligently and I will never look back.” He put it this way “I have accepted the assets and the liabilities of my predecessor. How I will take Nigeria forward should be my concern and that is my concern. I have been extremely busy. The only exercise I ever have is the walk from my residence to the office, so I can continue with the work. “Nigeria is hilly and it is the largest democracy in Africa. No other democracy comes close to us in terms of size on the continent. We cannot blame God for giving us these children and we have to seek peace and better livelihoods”.
Tinubu: We are not afraid of protests. Our concern is the ordinary people and the damages that will be done. Till today, I cannot forget the brand new 60 and 100 seater buses, down there in Lagos that were burnt down and we are now complaining of transportation. That is the problem. That is why I must say ‘thank you’ to traditional rulers for talking to the citizens on the need to stop the protest.
The President added that security was getting more attention and will be enhanced, saying, “Security is getting better, but we cannot take our eyes off the camera because it takes one accident for things to flare up. We are managing it. “We have created instruments to support the students so that they get education, consumer credit to expand the economy, to improve the purchasing power of the people in order to rejuvenate the economy within a short period of time. We are still recalibrating our oil usage,” he stated. President Tinubu said he will continue to explain the economic reforms and projected benefits to the nation, adding that he remains open to dialogue for the development of the country.
“During the military era, we made our voices heard against dictatorship, and I was part of the group that engaged in peaceful protests without resorting to the destruction of property. We have worked hard to ensure 25 years of unbroken democracy and I will continue to maintain this democracy. In as much as we believe that demonstrations are part of democracy, we will never encourage any protests that lead to the destruction of lives and property”. “Nigeria is ready to play its role as the largest democracy in Africa that is worthy of emulation to other African countries.
Little wonder, the DSS bent over a little to admit via its mouthpiece, Dr. Peter Afunanya, that peaceful protests are the democratic right of citizens. The problem this time around, according to the secret police is that “we have uncovered a “sinister plan” by some people to infiltrate the protest and use it to cause chaos and violence in the country. Afunanya noted that the secret police has also identified the reason behind the protest to be political, adding that the plotters desired to use the intended violent outcome to smear the federal and sub-national governments and pit them against Nigerians. “The Service has identified, among others, the funding lines, sponsors and collaborators of the plot. However, it does not think that aggression should be the first line action in the instance, in handling the emerging scenario. “It has instead, variously applied non-kinetic and conflict resolution strategies, including moral suasion, stakeholder engagement and other multi-track diplomatic shuttles, to dissuade the planners from actualising their undesirable objective.
“Based on the foregoing, the Service wishes to warn all the protest groups to eschew any form of proposed rage, anarchy and spoliation. “While the different levels of government have routinely explained their agenda to ameliorate alleged harsh economic conditions, the Service urges the prospective protesters to listen to the voice of reason, good conscience and patiently engage with the authorities, in the interest of peace.
“This has become important given that violence begets destruction of lives and property as well as serve as a distraction to governance. The agitators are encouraged to use ample ways available to them to channel their grievances without resorting to violence.”
Wike speaking as tough as the DSS, said at an emergency FCT Security Council meeting that had in attendance the FCT Minister of State, the Area council chairmen, FCT management team and heads of security agencies domiciled in the FCT, ahead of the impending nationwide protests, that Abuja is a no-go area. While he conceded that it was the right of the citizens to protest, he insisted that he would not allow the protesters to set the nation’s capital back.
Trust Wike and his political gambits. He added the day proposed for the protest has been set aside to honour the FCT traditional rulers and to give certificates to them. “Mr. President has given FCT so much support, that is why all of us can attest to the fact that there is a lot of changes going on in the FCT, and therefore we will not allow anybody to set us back. “We are looking forward to make sure that we take FCT to where it is supposed to be, as one of the major cities not only in Africa, but also in the world. “So we will not anybody to disrupt peace and set us back. For those who want to protest on the 1st of August or thereabout, FCT is not available for such protest,” Wike said.
Speaking at a press conference, the TUC President, Festus Osifo, said though the union was not behind the planned hunger protest, security agencies should be careful so that it does not lead to chaos. He called on the leadership of the security agencies and the Inspector General of Police to ensure a peaceful protest by protecting the protesters and other Nigerians so that there will not be loss of lives. “So, we don’t want a situation whereby the protests goes on and at the end of the day, it leads to violence. So, once again, we call on the Inspector General of Police and the entire security agency to do everything possible to provide security for whoever wans to carry out protests,” he said.
A group, South East Youth Development for Good Governance and Better Development (SEYDGGBD), has said it would not support the protest because it didn’t know the true intention. The group in a statement by its National Coordinator, Hon. Henry Ejiofor, after an emergency meeting of stakeholders, urged the people of the region against the protest because the sponsors were unknown. “As a forum, we are making this national call to South East youths and others across Nigeria not to allow faceless individuals to use them.
Coalition of Concern Citizens of Kaduna State (CCCKS), has distanced itself from the planned nationwide protest against hunger and economic hardship.
Addressing a press conference in Kaduna, Convener of the group, Aliu Sanni Mohammed, said the group “completely stands against this maliciously stage managed planned protest in Kaduna state and across the country.”
The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), has said the grinding hunger suffered by Nigerians as a result of soaring inflation, high cost of living and insecurity, has reached alarming levels. According to the NYCN, which comprised over 100 youth organisations, the unsettling economic hardship, has triggered the agitation and call for the impending nationwide protests planned to start on August 1. This was contained in a communique signed by the youth council’s President, Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo, after its meeting held via zoom. The meeting was attended by the youth council’s national officers and 36 state chairmen and other critical stakeholders. It expressed deep concern over the severe socio-economic challenges and widespread hardship faced by citizens, especially the youth. The United Nations and Amnesty International are some of the global voices that have called for caution.
As a source observed, only one thing is clear. If it happens, it is not going to be a protest out of the blues or an instantaneous one that takes the nation by surprise. Everyone appears to have mastered their act and it is hoped it would be used to get the best out of the situation.
