· Senator Ireti Kingibe worry over “excessive force”
By Sarah NEGEDU & Laraba MUREY
Normalcy is gradually returning to the Federal Capital Territory, after the nationwide protest that almost crippled both private and public activities in Abuja and some states of the federation.
Youths in the nation’s capital joined the #Endbadgovernance protest which started on August 1.
The protest meant to register their grievances against some government policies and the current economic hardship in the country, saw protesters marching through the Federal Capital Territory inspite of a court injunction limiting their movement to the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.
The protest took a turbulent dimension on its first day, as hoodlums set bonfires across all entry points into the city.
Some miscreants also took advantage of the chaos, attacking motorists and robbing pedestrians of their belongings.
Security agents found it difficult controlling rampaging protesters who had taken control of the ever busy Abuja-Keffi highway.
The protesters, majority of whom are Okada riders, stormed the Nyanya axis of the road chanting ‘ba muayi’ in hausa language meaning ‘we are no longer interested.’
The protesters, who wield dangerous weapons, barricaded the road at various intervals with burning tyres while threatening to burn any vehicle trying to convey passengers out of the Nyanya Park.
The situation was even more volatile around Lugbe Airport Road, Apo-Dutse, and Gudu axis where gunshots were heard and military personnel drafted to take control of the situation.
Businesses in those areas where immediately disrupted, with public offices shot, except for those on essential services.
Recall that The Abuja Inquirer had reported that most offices and business premises in Abuja were deserted in the wake of the protests, as the entire FCTA to FCDA stretch was deserted except for a few offices seen rendering skeletal services.
However, commercial activities picked up towards the weekend amidst palpable fears that the Saturday protest being the last, could turn violent as witnessed in states like Kaduna, Jigawa, Kano and Nasarawa.
Our correspondent observed increased human and vehicular traffic within and around the city over the weekend, as more people returned to their various businesses.
Most bukas and canteens in the city centre that were closed in the heat of the protest, returned to business around Wednesday last week, since government offices resumed business.
Residents, who spoke to one of our correspondent, expressed delight that the protest was over but asked government to address the prevailing economic hardship in the land.
They also urge the government and protesters to engage in meaningful dialogue to proffer solutions that would ensure that normalcy is returned as quickly as possible.
They particularly want security agencies to not only see that normalcy is returned immediately, but ensure that the civil disturbances that took place in the last few days is not allowed to happen again, in order to restore confidence of people in the territory.
Commenting on the general outlook of activities within and the FCT, a resident who runs a business in the city centre, Brown Okorie, noted that shops along his business premises have been under lock and key since the protests started for fear of being attacked.
He said businesses resumed last Thursday when the situation seemed relatively calm.
On return of normalcy to Abuja, Okorie wants government to deliver on its primary goal, which is to safeguard lives, property and livelihoods, because they are the fundamental bedrock of any society.
Senator Ireti Kingibe reacts
The senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, Ireti Kingibe, has urged the federal government to embrace dialogue even as she expressed worry over the use of excessive force by security agencies.
In an X, formerly Twitter post on Sunday, Senator Kingibe wrote: “In light of the recent protests across Nigeria, including in our capital, Abuja, under the banners of #EndBadGovernance and #EndHunger, I, wish to address the concerns raised by the people.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to those who have lost loved ones during these demonstrations.
“My thoughts are with the families affected by this tragedy, and I wish a quick and full recovery to those who have been injured.
“The loss of life and suffering are deeply saddening, and it is crucial that we acknowledge and address these painful realities.
“I am deeply concerned about the excessive use of force by the police and other security agencies against peaceful protesters.
“Such actions are counterproductive and do not contribute to resolving the issues at hand.”
She charged the President Bola Tinubu-led federal government “adopts a more empathetic and dialogue-driven approach to sensitive matters.
“The demands of the protesters, including a call for a corruption-free fuel subsidy and improved leadership, among others, are both urgent and important.
“These demands reflect the widespread frustration felt by many Nigerians, including myself.
“It is essential for President Bola Tinubu and the federal government to engage meaningfully with representatives of the protesters, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to address these concerns.
“We must remember that it is the people who put us in office, and it is our duty as public servants to listen and act on their concerns.
“The voice of the people is indeed the voice of God, and their demands deserve serious consideration.”
