Nationwide Protest Against Hunger and Hardships in Nigeria
The Isoko National Youth Assembly (INYA) Worldwide has urged Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to engage with protest organizers and review policies causing hardship for the people to avert a nationwide protest planned for August 1 to August 19. The protest, scheduled to last 19 days, is a response to the severe hardships and hunger affecting millions of Nigerians.
INYA President Comrade Eniwake Orogun stated in a press release that the country is currently facing extreme hardship, with all aspects of life troubled. He emphasized that this hardship is occasioned by hasty government policies, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies. The Isoko youth body has called on the President to adopt a constructive engagement approach to address the multifaceted problems plaguing the nation.
The assembly appealed to both security agencies and protesting youths to avoid violence and destruction of national assets. They emphasized that the protest, while a legitimate expression of grievance, should be conducted peacefully.
INYA further urged the government to learn from past protests, such as the 2011 Arab Spring and the EndSARS protests, and to prioritize issues like inflation, insecurity, and the high cost of governance. The group also suggested that policies like fuel subsidy removal, floating the naira, and liberalizing the economy have failed and should be reconsidered.
To the security forces, INYA urged restraint, saying that they should treat protesters with civility and respect their constitutional right to peaceful assembly. The assembly concluded that this trying period in Nigeria’s history can be overcome if the government and citizens work together.
The clock is ticking for the Nigerian government to act swiftly and address the cries of its people. As the nation stands at the edge of despair, only a genuine attempt to dialogue and engage with the protesters can prevent further unrest and suffering.
