Newday Reporters

Planned Protests Against Hardship, Bad Governance Can Be Hijacked – UN warns Nigerian Youths

 

The United Nations’ Department of Safety and Security has issued a warning about the potential for planned protests in Nigeria to be hijacked by groups with ulterior motives.

Reports indicate that various Nigerian groups are organizing a nationwide protest from August 1 to 10, dubbed “10 days of rage,” to address the country’s soaring cost of living and economic hardship.

In a security assessment dated July 19, The Cable reports that the UN expressed concerns about potential violence during these upcoming protests, citing past incidents where similar demonstrations had turned volatile.

The assessment notes, “Recall that in the February 13–16, 2023 interval, tensions generated by the scarcity of the new Naira currency (financial crisis) reached high levels among the civilian population, leading to violent protests in the South-East and South-South regions of Nigeria, including the states of Akwa Ibom, Delta, Edo, Imo, Kwara, Lagos, Ondo, Ogun, Oyo, and Rivers.

“During these periods of civil unrest, several bank branches and ATM points were vandalized, and major roads were blocked.

“As the turnout for the ’10 days of rage’ protest is expected to be high, large-scale disruptions to normal economic and social activities cannot be discounted.”

The threat assessment further indicated the possibility of clashes between government supporters and dissenting groups from late July through August 10-15.

“While acknowledging the economic hardship in the country, some organizations and leaders of ethnic groups, particularly in the South-South and South-East regions, are discouraging participation in the August 1-10 protests.

For example, Ọhanaeze Ndigbo, a socio-cultural organization in Nigeria, claims to represent the interests of all Igbos and is advising against participation.

“This highlights the possibility of the events being hijacked by other interest groups or detractors, thus complicating the security landscape in different areas.”

In response, NewdayReporters reported earlier that President Bola Tinubu has pleaded with aggrieved Nigerians, especially the youths, to shelve the planned national protest over the high cost of living. He argued that there is no need for the protest.

The President assured those behind the planned national protest that he has heard their grievances and is working diligently to address all their concerns.

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