United Nations Warns of Potential Hijacking of Planned Protests Against Economic Hardship in Nigeria | #NwokeukwuMascot

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 UN Warns of Potential Hijacking of Planned Protests Against Economic Hardship in Nigeria | #NwokeukwuMascot

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ABUJA, July 24, 2024 — The United Nations Department of Safety and Security has issued a cautionary notice regarding potential hijacking of planned protests in Nigeria by groups with ulterior motives. This warning comes as various Nigerian groups prepare for a nationwide demonstration from August 1 to 10, dubbed “10 Days of Rage,” aimed at addressing the country’s escalating cost of living and economic hardship.

A security assessment dated July 19, 2024, obtained by The Cable, highlights the UN’s concerns about the likelihood of violence during the upcoming protests, drawing parallels with past incidents where similar demonstrations turned volatile.

The assessment reads: “Recall that in the 13–16 February 2023 interval, tensions generated by the paucity of new Naira currency (financial crisis) reached high levels amongst the civilian population, which materialized in violent protests in the South-East and South-South regions of Nigeria, in the states of Akwa Ibom, Delta, Edo, Imo, Kwara, Lagos, Ondo, Ogun, Oyo, and Rivers.

“During the civil unrest in the different states, several bank branches and ATM points were vandalized, and major roads were blocked. As the turnout for the ‘10 Days of Rage’ protest is expected to be high, large-scale disruptions to normal economic and social activities cannot be discounted.”

The assessment further indicates the possibility of clashes between government supporters and dissenting groups from late July through August 10-15. “While acknowledging the economic hardship in the country, some organizations and leaders of ethnic groups (especially in South-South and South-East) were discouraging participation in any of the 1–10 August protests. For instance, Ọhanaeze Ndigbo, a socio-cultural organization, has advised against participation, highlighting the risk of the events being hijacked by other interest groups, thus complicating the security landscape of different areas.”

In response to the planned protests, President Bola Tinubu has appealed to aggrieved Nigerians, particularly the youths, to reconsider their plans. Speaking through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, after a meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu urged citizens to trust that the government is addressing their grievances.

Minister Idris conveyed the President’s plea: “We discussed the general issues affecting the country, and Mr. President has asked me to inform Nigerians, especially the young people planning to protest, that he is listening to them. He takes their concerns seriously and is working diligently to ensure the country's economy improves not just for today but for the future.”

“The President does not see any need for the planned protest,” Idris continued. “He has asked the protesters to shelve their plans and await the government's response to their pleas. He has listened to them and is committed to addressing their concerns.”

As the planned protest dates approach, the UN’s warning and the President’s appeal underscore the delicate balance between addressing public discontent and maintaining national security. The situation remains fluid, with both national and international stakeholders closely monitoring developments.