Day 2 of Nigeria’s nationwide protest: We take a closer look at what happened and how it’s going
By Dailytab24.
Background
The protest aimed to end bad governance and hunger in Nigeria has succeeded for the second day running, despite being warned by the country’s Inspector General of Police to stay off the streets the previous day.
The IGP issued the warning after the protest turned violent on the first day, leading to the death of one police officer and scores of protestors.
The protest had come under attack, with nongovernmental organizations and groups pulling out of the protest on the ground that President Bola Amed Tinubu needs time.
The President had just spent one year in office and had last week urged the protestors to give him time. He also garnered the sympathy and support of different groups across the country, but it didn’t stop the protest.
After the first day of the protest, there was fear that the protest would not continue the next day, but the protest went on.
Although the second day was not as enthusiastic as the first day, the protest still made a significant impact, and hundreds of thousands turned up for the protest across the country.
The second day has also underlined a clear commitment to the finishing line.
The first day of the protest had some states declaring 24-hour curfew due to violence and lootings, but there were contrary reports that the curfews were not true or lifted.
The curfew was supposed to have had significant impression on the second day of the protest, but Nigerians failed to adhere to the curfew impositions across the states they were imposed- they came out in large numbers and continued with their protest.
There is uncertainty within the government, with mixed feelings and indecision leading to an unstable approach. The government, despite trying to avoid the protest, has stayed mum as it watches the people protest.
The administration of President Bola Amed Tinubu has embraced the carrot and stick approach, while the protest deteriorates.
A crackdown could likely lead to a dangerous situation where the aim of the protest could change against the government.
President Bola Amed Tinubu is hopeful that the protestors will get weak and disperse or end the protest on their own accord.
The protest is scheduled to last for ten days, and just into the second day of the protest, the government is convinced the protestors won’t succeed the ten days schedule.
The second day of the protest shows a glimpse of determination. It also showed that the protestors were not deterred by the killings that happened on the first day of the protest.
The protestors have vowed to continue, but their resolve is yet to be tested. It’s just two days out of the ten days, and it is a long, long way to go.
If there is anything the protestors have achieved so far, it is their commitment and determination to come out the next day and fill the streets across the country.
It doesn’t matter if the number increased or decreased. What is important is that the protest is still alive and the country is still on edge.
What Happened on Day 2
Like in day 1, the protestors continued with their looting and violence, especially in the northern part of the country.
The states that imposed 24 hours curfew were unable to stop the protestors from hitting the streets, and government buildings were vandalized and torched by the protestors.
In the North, the protestors that stormed government and public buildings looted edibles and were captured on camera, insulting the president and daring him to come and stop them.
The security agents also confronted the protestors across the country with the number of casualties yet to be filed.
In Edo State, the protestors followed the path of the northern protestors. They engaged in violent conducts and looted government buildings.
They stole bags of rice and accused the state government of hiding palliatives meant for the people.
Protestors could be seen on camera carting away bags of rice and vandalizing the building the government palliatives were kept.
In Abuja, security agents have warned hospitals to report to any police station across the federal capital territory if protestors with gun injuries come in for treatment.
The police said some protestors were armed and engaged the security agents in a fire fight. The gun duel is not in line with what the protestors believe, and the hoodlums are believed to be infiltrators.
In the southeastern part of the country, businesses are going on, but not as expected on usual day.
The Igbo tribe rejected the protest on the ground that they always become the scapegoat of mass action in the country.
Businesses opened but customers from other states didn’t come as usual. Businessmen opened their shops and hope that the protest could end, so business could come back to normal.
Unusual scene was seen in Jos- Christians surrounded Muslims observing Zuhr prayers. Christians used their bodies as shield against disruption and attack from security agents.
Protestors are as well coming out with pots and plates to reflect the hunger they are facing in the country that triggered the protest.
In Rivers State, the protestors embraced peace and appear to enjoy the support of the state government.
Governor Fubara addressed the protestors on the first day of the protest and urged them to be peaceful- that he is part and parcel of them. Rivers State appears to be the only state that has not recorded significant violence.
Conclusion
The second day of the protest is a strategic day because it underscored the determination of the protest.
After the reports across the country of the scores that were killed, and the warning from the Inspector General of Police, it was expected that the protestors would consider the risk associated with further protest in the country, but they broke the barrier of fear.
The protest is aimed to end bad governance and hunger, but could deteriorate if the government fails to handle it with care.
President Bola Amed Tinubu has yet to address the protestors. He is keenly following the protest and holding his card closely to his chest.
