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 Tensions Rise as Protesters Block Kaduna Road Ahead of Nationwide Rally

The atmosphere in Nigeria has grown tense as protesters, dissatisfied with the country's economic conditions, have begun demonstrating ahead of the planned nationwide rally. Despite expectations that the government and protest organizers would reach a conclusive agreement, demonstrators took to blocking Kaduna Road, a key highway in Niger State linking Kaduna to Abuja. This unexpected move comes three days before the planned nationwide protest set to commence on August 1, 2024.

The protesters, brandishing placards with slogans such as "We Are Not Slaves," "Enough is Enough," "Stop Anti-Masses Policies," "Hardship Is Unbearable," and "Fuel Subsidy Must Be Back," have voiced their frustration with the current economic policies and hardships under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. 

Monday's demonstration saw an early surge of anti-government sentiment, with protesters chanting slogans against the administration. President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy responded to the situation by challenging Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate who has endorsed the protest, to lead the demonstration himself, mirroring the actions of past leaders like Tinubu and former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The planned protests have prompted international responses as well. The United States, United Kingdom, and Canada have issued travel advisories to their citizens in Nigeria, warning them to avoid areas where confrontations between security forces and protesters might occur. The US Mission in Abuja specifically advised Americans to stay clear of crowds and demonstrations and stay informed through local media, highlighting potential risks such as roadblocks, checkpoints, traffic congestion, and physical confrontations.

In a related development, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has emphasized the need for proper application and security payments for the use of Eagle Square in Abuja. This was in response to a request by the Take It Back Movement to utilize the facility for their August 1 protest. Wike made these remarks during a Town Hall Meeting at the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) in Abuja.

Meanwhile, Niger State has seen its own prelude to the larger protests. Despite efforts by Governor Mohammed Bago to alleviate economic hardships with measures such as a N20,000 wage allowance for state and local government civil servants and the release of 50,000 metric tonnes of subsidized grains, youths have taken to the streets in protest.

The Labour Party's leadership has shown a divided stance on the issue. While Peter Obi has publicly supported the protests and called for government dialogue with the protesters, Alex Otti, the party’s only state governor from Abia, has advised against the protests, warning of potential violence and urging organizers to allow the government to address their concerns.

Adding to the tension, Folasade Tinubu-Ojo, President Tinubu's daughter and the Iyaloja General of Lagos, has urged market women to warn their children against participating in the protests. She emphasized the need to give her father's administration time to address the nation's challenges and referenced the violent turn of the EndSARS protests as a cautionary tale.

Despite the government's pleas and measures to dissuade the demonstrations, supporters of the administration and the police have intensified their presence around major spots in Lagos and Abuja, preparing for the planned protests. The police have deployed heavily armed units and armored personnel carriers to strategic locations, indicating the administration's readiness to maintain order during the demonstrations.

As Nigeria braces for the August 1 protests, the nation stands at a crossroads, with citizens demanding substantial economic reforms and a government grappling with how to respond effectively to their grievances. Written by Daniel Okonkwo for Profile International Human Rights Advocate.