· FG, MURIC warn against protest
· No going back, says organisers
By Our Correspondents
As Nigeria marks its 64 years of Independence from the British on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, there is little to cheer but only hardship, despair and disillusionment, most Nigerians say.
The level of frustration stems from government economic policies that has seen galloping inflation, high cost of goods and services with little respite from the government.
At present, Nigerians buy fuel from N995 to N1, 300 depending on which part of the country they were buying from.
A bag of a 50kg rice, the local brand is from N75, 000, while the foreign sells for as high as N90, 000 to N100, 00.
Worried by the development, the federal government unveiled a package of N40, 000 for civil servants, but many have complained about the “torture” to getting the subsidised essential commodity.
Nigerians speak on Independence Day
Some Nigerians who spoke to our correspondents in some parts of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, bemoaned the hardship and blamed successive governments of having failed the people.
“What is the significance of the day? Nothing to cheer about. We exchanged one colonialist for another. Our leaders have failed, and woefully so.
“Look at the cost of living. It is numbing what we have to go through especially at this time as Nigerians,” a civil servant who only identified himself as Ode said.
Also, a trader at the Karu market said it would have been better for the British to come back.
“Is this Independence? I am 66 years old and I can tell you things have never been this bad. I am not saying Tinubu caused all the problems, but is own is worse. We don’t deserve this level of suffering. He should bring back subsidy, deal with corruption and reduce cost of governance,” Mama Amaka told this newspaper.
FG declares public holiday
As a mark of observing the day, the Federal Government declared Tuesday, 1st of October 2024 as public holiday.
Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, and congratulated Nigerians at home and abroad on the occasion.
A statement by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani on Friday, said Dr. Tunji-Ojo praised the patient and hardworking Nigerian men and women, stating that their sacrifices will not be in vain.
FG braces for protest, organisers insist
The federal government said it is talking with the organisers of the proposed #fearlessprotest with a view to reaching an understanding with them before October 1.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the security agencies are already engaging some of the organisers.
“Government is not against any peaceful protest by Nigerians. After all, it is their fundamental right to stage any protest.
“But government is always apprehensive about such protests degenerating into a riot as we experienced in August or the 2020 #EndSARS protest in many parts of the country.
“Security agencies have been discussing with some of the organisers and they are being monitored so that they do not plunge the country into chaos or allow themselves to be used by internal and external forces which want to subvert the country and the 16-month-old administration”, he said.
The organisers, however, insist that the protest would hold and that there is no going back.
Political activist, Omoyele Sowore, who has been at the forefront of calls for the planned mass action, said: “I can tell you that there will be protests. I can also confirm to you that I will be out there on the protest lines, joining my voice to that of other Nigerian patriots, to denounce the anti-people policies of this government”, he said.
Another known face behind the planned protest, Deji Adeyanju, said: “If organisers feel the need to implement specific precautions, it suggests that the protest may be orchestrated or sponsored. I cannot support or participate in such events.
“True protests arise organically from the collective grievances of the people, without external manipulation or influence. It’s important for movements to remain authentic and driven by the genuine voices of those affected,” he said.
MURIC, others kick
There are some Nigerians who, however, feel that the protest is not necessary.
The Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, has appealed for the cancellation of the proposed protest slated for October 1.
The group argued, among other reasons, that it is sacriledgeous for any group to pick Nigeria’s Independence Day for a protest.
MURIC’s founder and executive director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, in a statement urged Nigerians to respect their country and to honour our independence anniversary which is October 1.
The group also advised government officials to avoid flamboyant living, stressing that Nigerians want to see genuine commitment to frugality in government’s activities
“We have no other country. We should train our children to respect their country, not to despise it.
“We are surprised that some Nigerians are planning to hold protests on our 64th independence anniversary. Protest on October 1 of any year in Nigeria amounts to a desecration of our value for freedom. It is tantamount to an assault on all the struggles of our founding fathers who fought tooth and nail to drive away the colonial master and usher in a much desired independence.
“MURIC admits that there is severe hunger in the land but Nigeria is not aloof in this category. We are not an island. Neither did our hunger start yesterday. We are also angry due to the pangs of hunger and starvation. But the solution to our problem cannot be found in the expression of our anger.
“Prophet Muhammad (SAW) warned that ‘anger at the beginning is like madness while its end is regret.’
“Going on protest in a state of anger can lead to unpleasant incidents. We can do better by accepting the dialogue option which both the government and voluntary groups have offered. Jaw-jaw is always better than war-war. Even combatants always return to the round table after the war.
Also, Professor Kamilu Sani Fagge, a renowned political scientist at the Bayero University Kano, said the planned protest is not necessary since in a democratic setting policies are supposed to be based on the wish and will of the people.
The organisers justified the need for another round of protests as they demand for among other things: the release of all protesters being detained; a living wage for Nigerian workers; reversal of the subsidy removal; decisive action against banditry, terrorism and other security challenges.
Heightened security nationwide
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has put top police officers in zonal and state commands on red alert ahead of the October 1 planned protest and independence anniversary.
In the wireless message, the IG charged the Assistant Inspectors-General of Police in zones and commissioners of police to take necessary steps to forestall any break down of law and order.
The top cop specifically ordered the AIGs and CPs to order their men to be kitted in camouflage with ballistic hat in order to show that they are battle-ready to forestall any unwanted occurrence.
Similarly, Egbetokun ordered those in intelligence departments to continue carrying out covert operations regarding the activities of suspected hoodlums and miscreants who may want to destroy lives and property.
The signal reads:
“Any Attempt By Miscreants/Hoodlums To Engage In Destruction Of Lives And Property Should Be Promptly Resisted. Compols Should Direct Officers/Men To Be At Red Alert Maintain Well Kitted Standby Men At Command Hqts, Area Commands X Divisional Police Hqts, To Forestall Any Breakdown Of Law And Order Mode Of Dress Camouflage Uniform With Hat Tactical Units To Use Ballistic Helmets While Personnel For Covert Operations X Other Specialized Sections X Should Appear In Their Approved Dress/Uniform X W.E.F Monday 30/09/2024 Till Stand Down Order Is Given. Acknowledge Receipt And Ensure Strict Compliance Please.”