Protests Commence Today as Nigerians Insist on Improved Welfare

As the planned nationwide protest against hunger begins today, August 1st, the organisers and the police, the lead security agency, have held their positions as the protesters insist on a street display, while the latter maintained its stance of having the protest confined to designated spots.

Protesters noted that protests will continue unless their demands are met by President Bola Tinubu.

They called on the president to do the needful and the protests would be immediately called off.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, the Director of Mobilisation, Take It Back Movement, Damilare Adenola, lamented that the oppression under the president’s leadership had lasted too long.

He said, “The various court orders restricting protesters to particular locations are an aberration.

"Our presence here today is an announcement that we have been oppressed for too long.

“Today, we have risen. We saying to the president that unless President Bola Tinubu accede to our demands we will remain on the streets. We want to see the president on the street. During the protest, he was on the street.”

One of the leaders of the Take It Back Movement, Ayoola Babalola, said the show of force around the premises of the Moshood Abiola is an embarrassment to the nation.

Shops, Businesses Shut Down in the Light of Protest

The roads are virtually empty as only commercial buses, popularly called Danfo could be seen operating.

The ever-busy Bus Rapid Transit, BRT terminals were empty of busses, leaving passengers to scuttled to board shuttle buses.

A number of banks, eateries, fuel stations, superstores, and other business enterprises were seen under lock and key.

Also some hoodlums were spoted on major roads like: Ikotun, Egbeda, Dopemu, Ikeja, Ojota, gisting and drinking alcoholic stuff and smoking.

As of 7.30 am, there was no sign of likely protest as protesters could not be seen in sight but armed special task force, Rapid Response Squad men were in large numbers across the metropolis.

Police helicopter was seen on surveillance operating across the metropolis.

Armoured Personnel carriers, APC vehicles, and vans were seen stationed at strategic points at Gani Fawenhimi Freedom Park as well as Peace Park, Ojota area.

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