Ahead of the hunger protest set to begin today, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has mocked the organizers, suggesting they can go ahead with their demonstration while others watch and eat. Akpabio made this statement on Tuesday while addressing delegates of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Rivers State.
Akpabio, expressing his displeasure with the planned protest, emphasized that the people of the Niger Delta are not seeking a regime change, referencing a statement from the NDDC’s managing director. “All of us feel the impact of what is happening now. But we are aware it will be for a short while. MD, I want to thank you for what you said. You said we are not interested in regime change; let us own this government. Those who want to protest can protest, but let us be there eating—I must thank the Niger Delta,” he remarked.
He acknowledged the extensive damage caused by oil and gas activities in the Niger Delta region. “We acknowledge the fact that the impact of oil and gas activities in our region has done immeasurable damage to our people,” Akpabio stressed. He assured that the National Assembly is ready to help with legislation to curb oil spillage and environmental pollution in the region. “The specific issues faced by the Niger Delta must be contained in that communique because we are going to make it available to Mr. President. The ones that need legislation will come to us, the ones that need intervention will go to NDDC, the ones that need more money will go to the president and commander-in-chief, and I assure you that those issues will be addressed,” he maintained.
Akpabio’s comments come in the context of a significant planned protest against hunger and economic hardship. The protest, scheduled to run from August 1 to August 10, has garnered significant attention and support across the country. The Senate President’s remarks have added fuel to the fire, sparking further debate and controversy.
In response to the planned protest, Akpabio called for an emergency meeting of the Senate. The meeting, described as of “National Importance,” was convened for Wednesday, July 31, 2024, just one day before the protest’s commencement. A circular signed by the Clerk, Chinedu Akubueze, stated the purpose of the meeting but did not provide further details.
The memo read, “Dear Distinguished Senators, the President of the Senate, His Excellency, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, has directed that an emergency plenary sitting of the Senate be convened as follows: Date: WEDNESDAY, JULY 31st, 2024; TIME: 12 NOON.”
The National Association of University Students (NAUS) had previously warned the Federal Government to address the economic hardship or face mass protests from university students nationwide. Several political figures, including Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, have urged the youths to reconsider the protest and give President Bola Tinubu more time to address their concerns.
NAUS issued a stern warning, stating, “The federal government must take immediate and concrete steps to address these pressing issues, or we will be forced to take to the streets in protest. Students are the future leaders of this country, and we cannot afford to stay idle while our country burns.”
Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo defended the administration, emphasizing that President Tinubu would need more time to solve the country’s economic challenges. “Mr. President never campaigned to be a magician; he campaigned as a statesman based on ‘Renewed Hope.’ Before hope could be renewed, it had dwindled. Rebooting hope that has been down requires a bit of time, and we are on the right path,” he said.
However, some tensions have arisen, particularly in Lagos, where suspected thugs have taken to the streets, warning residents not to join the August 1 protest. In a video, the hoodlums declared, “Anybody confident should come out on Thursday to protest. Are you the only one hungry? If you dare come out for the protest, you will be mercilessly dealt with.” Despite these threats, some youths in Abuja have staged a mini-protest to show their readiness to join the larger protest.
Human rights lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN, representing one of the protest organizers, communicated the protest venues to the Nigerian Police in response to a letter from Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun requesting a meeting. The venues include Eagles Square in Abuja, Alausa Park by Secretariat in Lagos, Rosewale Filling Station at Iwo Road in Ibadan, and Freedom Park in Osogbo. Other venues are opposite the School of Agriculture along Tafawa Balewa Road in Bauchi, opposite Wema Bank on Akpakpava Lane in Benin City, Maiduguri Roundabout, opposite State Stadium in Damaturu, and Rainbow Roundabout and Pantani Stadium in Rivers State.
The Nigeria Police have vowed to act against vandals and assure protesters of their safety. In Plateau State, a suspect was arrested for allegedly inciting violence against critical state infrastructures, law enforcement agencies, and private individuals ahead of the planned protest. The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Suleiman Yakubu, confessed during interrogation to being the person in the viral TikTok video urging the public to attack petrol stations, security personnel, and other key assets.
Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi stressed the need for protest leaders to cooperate with the police by providing contact details, locations, routes, and schedules. This information will help ensure the safety and security of all participants and the general public. On his X handle, Adejobi wrote, “We (Police) seriously need to avoid unplanned and unwarranted processions during the planned nationwide protest. The Force is open to dialogue and acknowledges that protesters can assemble at designated locations, making it easier to protect them.”
Amid the rising tensions, some groups have distanced themselves from the protest. The National Youth Council of Nigeria’s Nasarawa State chapter has announced that youths in the state will not participate. Chairman Ja’afaru Loko stated that protests do not solve problems and emphasized the importance of dialogue. “Protests, demonstrations, and uprisings have never proffered solutions to situations like this in the past. Only dialogue can help tackle the current challenges,” Loko said.
Similarly, some students in Lagos under the National Association of Nigerian Students have vowed to shun the protest, instead planning a solidarity walk in support of the state government on the same day. The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) also urged the protest organizers to cancel the demonstration and engage in dialogue to address the country’s challenges.
In contrast, a coalition of 37 civil society organizations has reaffirmed Nigerians’ right to peaceful protest. In a statement, the coalition emphasized that peaceful protest is a cornerstone of democratic governance and a vital tool for holding leaders accountable. The statement, signed by organizations including Accountability Lab Nigeria, BudgIT Foundation, Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), and Enough is Enough (EIE) Nigeria, stressed the importance of the right to protest.
The statement read, “In light of recent events and ongoing discussions surrounding the appropriateness of citizens expressing their dissatisfaction with government policies and actions, we, the undersigned civil society organizations, are compelled to reaffirm the fundamental right of citizens to peaceful protest as a pillar of democratic governance. This right is a cornerstone of any democratic society and a critical means for citizens to express their dissatisfaction, demand accountability, and advocate for change.”
However, the coalition also emphasized that protests must be conducted peacefully and responsibly without violating others’ rights. They urged all parties involved, including protest organizers, participants, and law enforcement agencies, to prioritize safety and the rule of law. “Law enforcement has a duty to safeguard protesters while upholding public order. Demonstrators must avoid activities that might exacerbate tensions, cause unrest, or threaten public safety.”
