Social Listening today focuses on the 1 August 2024 protest.
As planned, citizens trooped out on 1 August 2024 to protest the nation’s situation. The government rolled out the armed forces everywhere. Early reports from Abuja indicated the Nigerian Police firing tear gas at unarmed and peaceful protesters.
Social media blames the government for the protests and any negative eventuality. Analysts point to insensitive and crude remarks by high government officials, such as Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
A viral video clip showed Akpabio mocking citizens about the planned protest. He said that he and members of the National Assembly would be “eating” while the majority protest. He spoke on Tuesday, two days before the protest, at the Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities, Youths and Women Group Sensitisation Conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) organised the event.
Akpabio urged Nigerians to be patient. “All of us feel the impact of what is happening now. But we are aware it will be for a short while.” He added, “Managing Director, I want to thank you for what you said. You said we are not interested in regime change; let us own this government. Let us own this government.
“Those who want to protest can protest, but let us be here eating.”
1. Government and planners fuel interest and concern in the protest
The federal and state governments worked vigorously to douse interest in the protest. Secretary to the Government of the Federal Senator George Akume led the FG messaging team. In Lagos, Governor Sanwo-Olu did a 20-minute live broadcast to ask citizens not to participate. He threw rhetorical questions about the end goal and viability of protests: would it bring down market prices or change the exchange rate?
Pro-and anti-protest spokespeople deployed the social media extensively. The X platform was critical in the mix.
Senior Special Assistant to the President, Mr Bayo Onanuga, kicked off the point-counter-point when he accused opposition Labour Party leader Peter Obi of planning an insurrection through the protest. The Labour Party responded to him.
Read also: Petrol stations turn ghost towns as protests disrupt business activities
“The malcontents planning to stage nationwide protests are supporters of Peter Obi, the failed Labour Party presidential candidate. He should be held responsible for whatever crisis arises from the action. They are attempting to call out our people via propaganda because their Messiah, Peter Obi, failed to win the Presidency in the 2023 election. As bad losers, they don’t have the patience to wait for another election in 2027; they would rather destabilise Nigeria by staging a civilian coup against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu”.
Mr Obi demanded a retraction and apology and threatened legal action and a fee of N5billion. Mr Onanuga doubled down: “Let me just tell Obi and his lawyer: I am not afraid of any legal action. We shall meet in court.”
Social critic Aisha Yesufu countered anti-protest groups that Nigeria held elections despite threats of electoral violence and can accommodate peaceful protests to highlight economic hardship in the land.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also supported the protests and criticised the governing party for suppressing citizens’ right to protest. He reminded the APC they led a similar protest against fuel subsidy removal in 2012.
Atiku stated: “It is deeply ironic that those who now seek to stifle these rights were themselves leading protests in 2012. A responsible government must ensure a SAFE and SECURE environment for citizens to exercise their constitutionally guaranteed rights to PEACEFUL PROTEST. Any attempt to suppress these rights is not only unconstitutional but a direct affront to our democracy”.
Lawyers Inibihe Effiong and Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa provided vocal counsel. Adegboruwa on Wednesday called the support group to consider restricting the protest to one day instead of the earlier announced ten days
2. The case for and against EndBad Governance protest in Nigeria
Perspectives vary on the necessity and potential outcomes of anti-government protests in Nigeria. A core argument is citizens’ right to articulate their grievances about socio-economic and political conditions and hold the government accountable.
They highlight the following justifications:
• Fundamental Right: Nigeria’s constitution and international human rights declarations enshrined peaceful assembly and protest.
• Government Accountability: Protests serve as a pressure tactic to force governments to address pressing issues like corruption, insecurity, economic hardship, and social inequality.
• Social Change: Historically, protests have been catalysts for significant reforms and advancements in various fields, including civil rights, labour rights, and democracy.
The other side expresses concerns about the potential consequences of anti-government protests, such as:
• Violence and Instability: Protests can sometimes escalate into violence, leading to property damage, injuries, and even loss of life. This can further destabilise an already fragile security situation.
• Government Crackdowns: The authorities may respond with excessive force, leading to human rights abuses and further erosion of trust.
• Limited Impact: Critics argue that protests alone cannot bring about lasting change without accompanying strategies like organized lobbying, legal advocacy, and electoral participation. Lagos State governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu canvassed this view on Wednesday, 31 July.
Demands of the protesters
The 12-point demand addresses various socio-economic and political issues plaguing the nation.
1. Revert petrol pump price to N100/litre.
2. Combat insecurity and hunger.
3. Close all IDP camps and resettle the campers.
4. Total electoral reform.
5. Independent probe into the electoral budget of N355 billion.
6. Immediate release of ENDSARS protesters still in detention.
7. Implementation of a living wage (the minimum wage of N300k).
8. Compulsory free education from primary to secondary school.
9. Children of public office holders must attend public schools in the country.
10. The government must patronise made-in-Nigeria goods.
11. Transition to unicameral legislation.
12. Judicial and constitutional review.
