Protests against hardship spreads to Ibadan, as residents condemn high cost of living

True to advertised notice, residents of Ibadan,  Oyo State capital, on Monday hit the streets to protest the skyrocketing price of food and the state of the economy.

An eye witness account informed newstap.com.ng that the protesters who came out in their numbers gathered around the Mokola area in the state displaying placards with various inscriptions such as ‘End food hike and inflation,’ ‘The poor are starving,’ and ‘Tinubu, don’t forget your promises,’ among others.

They were also chanting songs to show their grievances.

However in another report the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) claimed that the mass protest witnessed low turnout as members of the public went about their lawful businesses.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a peaceful protest, tagged: “End Hardship Nigeria” had been scheduled to hold at the popular Mokola Roundabout in the heart of the city.

The protest, which was to commence by 8 a.m., was expected to be witnessed by a large turnout of residents to express their displeasure with the current economic situation in the country.

NAN reports that as at 8.30 a.m., only a handful of protesters were at the venue, being coordinated by some notable activists.

The protesters later moved to Sango- University of Ibadan road with about 100 people participating.

NAN, however, observed the presence of security agencies, such as the Nigeria Police Force and Amotekun personnel.

Their presence did not, however, stop the protesters from having their day, as everything went on peacefully.

An activist, Solomon Emiola, who spoke with NAN, attributed the poor participation to lack of proper communication, occasioned by irregular power supply as well as the hike in fuel price.

Emiola said that the protest was aimed at telling government that Nigerians could no longer endure the present economic hardship.

“This has put everybody in a state of confusion. We don’t know where to go again.

“As citizens of Nigeria, it is expected that the provision of social amenities is the primary duty of every government.

The provisions of Chapter two of 1999 Constitution (as amended) are not met by our leaders, and we, as citizens, must hold them accountable.

“Sections 33 and 34 empowered every citizen to come out to protest the high cost of living, fuel hike and other abnormal policies,” Emiola said.

He condemned what he described as government’s decision to follow the dictates of International Monetary Fund (IMF), leading to naira devaluation.

“We expect government to declare a state of emergency on the economy and security,” the activist said.