Anxiety as nationwide protest begins

As the nationwide planned protest kickstarts on Thursday, security has been tightened across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Meanwhile, state governors and the federal government have appealed to protesters to conduct themselves peacefully if they decide to hit the streets for demonstration.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, on Tuesday, urged Nigerians to shun the protest and pursue peace, dialogue, and collaboration instead.

“We, therefore, appeal to Nigerians of whatever persuasion, belief, demography, gender, and status to shun calls for protests against hunger by prioritising peace and progress. For the avoidance of doubt, the government of President Tinubu recognises the right to peaceful protest, but circumspection and vigilance should be our watchwords,” Akume said

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, said he did not approve the use of Eagle Square for any event, citing security concerns.

“I never approved the use of Eagle Square for anybody, which likely informed the security measures to ensure all public areas are well protected. We will not allow hoodlums to take advantage and begin to vandalise our infrastructure,” he said.

On Wednesday, a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory restricted participants in the August 1 hunger protest to the National Stadium.

Justice Sylvanus Oriji issued the order, citing security concerns.

The order was made while delivering a ruling in an ex-parte application brought by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The application, argued by Chief Ogwu James Onoja, SAN, sought an interim injunction restraining the protest leaders from gathering or parading themselves along any roadway, street, office, or public premises within the FCT from August 1 to August 10.

The defendants in the suit include Omoyele Sowore, Damilare Adenola, Adama Ukpabi, Tosin Harsogba, and several security chiefs. The court’s order aims to maintain public order and prevent any potential disturbances during the protest.

In Bauchi, the state police commissioner, Auwal Mohammed, deployed personnel to possible flashpoints to prevent the breakdown of law and order. The command also requested protest organizers to provide detailed biodata, including meeting points and movement routes.

Similarly, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Yobe State declared its readiness to protect citizens’ lives and property during the protest. Commandant Adamu Idris Zakari urged officers to conduct themselves professionally.

In Kebbi State, over 5,000 police officers were deployed to protect lives and property, while the NSCDC in Katsina State warned criminals against hijacking the protest.

Recall that late Wednesday, the police command in Lagos deactivated an improvised explosive device (IED) in the Ikeja area.

According to police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin, the IED was contained in a bag dropped by the roadside near the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A of the Nigeria Customs.

Hundeyin said an officer on patrol quickly identified the suspect, who had alighted from an unregistered Toyota Corolla vehicle.