Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has warned young people not to join upcoming protests about living costs, saying they are driven by people with harmful intentions. He believes these people are taking advantage of the country’s economic struggles to stir up trouble.
The planned protests are inspired by recent events in Kenya, where demonstrators have successfully pressured the government to make changes, including dropping tax increases and firing many officials. The last major protest in Nigeria was three years ago against a controversial police unit, which ended with a violent crackdown.
Tinubu’s warning was delivered by government secretary George Akume. Tinubu urged people to avoid protests, comparing Nigeria’s situation to recent conflicts in India and Sudan, and stressed that Nigeria, with its large population, cannot afford unrest.
Trade union leaders are calling for a dialogue with Tinubu, arguing that the government’s response to the high cost of living is inadequate. They say many Nigerians are struggling to get enough food, highlighting the need for serious government action.
Tinubu’s supporters have accused Peter Obi, a former presidential candidate, of organizing the protests. They claim Obi is trying to create chaos. Obi’s Labour Party has denied these allegations, asserting that while they are not planning protests, people have the right to protest if they choose.
In addition to the protest concerns in Nigeria, similar fears about unrest are seen in other African countries. In Uganda, President Yoweri Museveni has warned against protests, and in Kenya, police have used tear gas to disperse demonstrators.
BBC provides the context for this story, emphasizing the broader regional concerns and the implications of such protests.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cxe23drjee4o