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| Images: Nigerian peaceful protesters |
By Salisu K Ismail
Nigeria police has prevented and halted a planned public peaceful demonstration against hunger, social, and economic challenges organized by civil societies, political groups, and some members of the public in Jigawa state.
It's can be recall that, following the removal of the fuel subsidy, Nigeria inflation and hardship has increased which made life extremely difficult as many Nigerians can not even afford 3 square meal and the repercussions have only been evident in the struggles faced by civil servants and the general populace, manifested through heightened hardship, poverty, hunger, and various socio and economic challenges.
Anti-riot police squads were deployed at key locations in the capital city of Dutse, Jigawa state to prevent the protest from occurring.
The spokesperson of the Jigawa State Police Command, DSP Shi'isu Lawal Adam, mentioned that, the Police only became aware of the protest plans through social media announcements.
He said that, Based on the public reactions observed, there was a risk of significant disruption of public peace and order if the protest was allowed to proceed.
According to him, Latest intelligence report in hands, revealed how certain individuals are planning to hijack the demonstration if it proceeds.
Therefore, as a precautionary measure, DSP Shi'isu said that, the command advised the organizers to suspend the event.
On the other hand, one of the organizers of the peaceful protest, Comrade Bashir Alkasim, Chairman of the SAWABA Initiative for Humanitarian Development, stated that less than 10 hours before the protest was scheduled to begin, the police requested a meeting with them for further discussion.
Comrade Bashir clarified that, the state police commissioner had requested them to postpone the demonstration due to concerns related to public security.
Consequently, they had no choice but to yield to security pressures and withdraw their plan.
He further expressed that, the peaceful demonstration was intended to raise awareness among federal, state, and local authorities about the ongoing hunger crisis, social and economic challenges in the country, and the urgent need for appropriate actions to address the worsening situation.
"We urge President Bola Tinubu to reconsider the country's economic protocols to ensure they align with the requirements and well-being of Nigerians rather than foreign interests," he added.
Additionally, Comrade Bashir revealed that, it is crucial to reassess and implement full financial autonomy for local governments.
"At Jigawa state level we are calling the state governor Malam Umar Namadi to increase the workers wage award from proposed N10,000 to N30,000 and shall be paid before Ramadan."
He confirmed that, those are some of the demands we intended to demonstrate for in according to Nigerian constitution but as police forced us to suspend it the protest, we succumbed and cancelled it.
"We look for another time and avenue to voice out our mind, " Comrade Bashir declared.
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