Despite pleas by the Federal Government, some state governors and sundry stakeholders, organisers of the nationwide protest against hardship and bad governance have listed take-off points for Thursday’s mass protest.
The listings have triggered a red alert across the nation with the US, Canada and UK sending out security alerts and advisories to their staff and nationals in Nigeria, warning them of potential trouble in the wake of the protest.
At the time of filing this report, there was frenzied purchases at major markets and malls visited by our reporters. Some Nigerians were seen buying food stuff and other household essential commodities.
“We are just trying to add to the foodstuff at home. Nobody knows how the protest will go”, says a woman who identified herself as Mrs. Adebayo at a mini-market in Ajao Estate, Lagos.
The coordinators said their resolve to go ahead with the protest cannot be broken, stressing that the government last-minute manouvres to weary their spirit cannot work.
The protest which has been widely publicised on social media with the hashtag #EndBadGovernance is scheduled to be in form of peaceful processions and rallies nationwide to convey citizens’ angst against the current socio-economic situation marked primarily by high cost of goods and services.
Mr. Ebun Adegboruwa, SAN, solicitor to one of the organisers, Take-it-Back Movement, in a letter to the IGP, listed the points of convergence for the rallies to include Eagle Square, Abuja; Alausa Park, Lagos, and Opposite Wema Bank; and Akpakpava Lane, Benin City.
Other locations are opposite the School of Agric, Bauchi; Rosewale Filling Station, Iwo Road, Ibadan; Maiduguri Roundabout, opposite State Stadium, Damaturu, Yobe State; Rainbow Roundabout and Pantani Stadium, Rivers and Freedom Park, Osogbo, Osun State.
Following a meeting on Tuesday, the police said in a statement: “During the meeting, the IGP emphasized the importance of maintaining public order and safety during the planned protests.
“He acknowledged the group’s right to express their concerns through peaceful protests and reiterated the Police Force’s duty to facilitate such rights within the bounds of the law.
“The IGP has advised the Take-It-Back Movement, who have indicated their interest in protest, to engage with the respective state police commissioners to coordinate and plan the protests in a manner that ensures the safety of participants and the general public. ’He said this is also to pre-empt any security challenges and ensure that the protests proceed peacefully.
“Additionally, the IGP strongly advised against unplanned open and unnecessary processions due to the potential dangers they pose.
“He stressed that organizing and coordinating with the Police and other security agencies are essential steps to mitigate risks, protect the rights of all citizens, and protect the well-being of all involved.
“The Inspector-General of Police, while reiterating that the Force remains dedicated to protecting the rights of all citizens and ensuring that all public gatherings are conducted safely and securely, calls on stakeholders to work together to foster a peaceful and secure environment during the protest,” the statement said.
