Governor-Shocks-Tinubu-As-He-Endorses-Nationwide-Protest,-Says-I'm-Ready-To-Join-Protesters

Governor Shocks Tinubu As He Endorses Nationwide Protest, Says I'm Ready To Join Protesters

Wisdom Tide 

02/08/2024

Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano has publicly voiced his support for the #EndBadGovernance protests, which have gained momentum due to escalating living costs during President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Addressing a gathering at the Kano Government House, Governor Yusuf underscored the significance of these nationwide demonstrations, highlighting them as a crucial exercise of democratic rights.

Governor Yusuf emphasized that the right to protest is a fundamental aspect of democracy, and urged demonstrators to remain vigilant against potential disruptions by criminal elements. He expressed his readiness to engage with peaceful protesters, encouraging them to uphold non-violent methods during their demonstrations.

This endorsement from Governor Yusuf comes at a time when protests are scheduled to take place across the nation, driven by severe economic hardships exacerbated under President Tinubu’s leadership. Despite appeals from the government to halt these protests, Nigerians remain resolute in expressing their dissatisfaction with the prevailing economic conditions, particularly the skyrocketing food prices.

Governor Yusuf’s support reflects the increasing public frustration over economic policies and governance issues, resonating with widespread concerns about the rising cost of living. As preparations for the nationwide protests intensify, stakeholders and citizens are bracing for potential outcomes, calling for accountability and reform.

In parallel, the Take It Back Movement, a key organizer of the hunger protests, has called on President Bola Tinubu to instruct security forces to refrain from using violence against protesters. The movement, along with other groups, has designated August 1 to 10 as the period for their demonstrations against the economic hardships faced by the populace.

Despite government efforts to thwart the protests, the organizers remain resolute. In an open letter addressed to President Tinubu and signed by Damilare Adenola, the group's Director of Mobilization, they declared that no amount of violence would silence the masses’ voices. The letter, dated July 31, warned the administration against attempting to suppress dissent through violence, asserting that the suffering of the people would not be in vain.

The movement has also urged security agencies to defy unlawful orders and align themselves with the people. Adenola referenced the 2020 #EndSARS protests, during which peaceful demonstrators were attacked at the Lekki Toll Gate. He suggested that while former President Buhari may have evaded accountability, President Tinubu would not escape similar scrutiny.

This call to security agencies is a plea for them to refuse orders that contradict the will of the people, encouraging them to support rather than oppose the citizens. This appeal is part of a broader push for systemic change and an end to economic policies that have left many Nigerians struggling to meet their basic needs.

As the protests approach, there is a palpable sense of tension, with many hoping for peaceful demonstrations and a governmental response that addresses the root causes of discontent rather than suppressing dissent. Governor Yusuf’s support for the protests signifies a significant development, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction and an urgent need for dialogue and reform to address Nigeria’s economic crisis