“We are protesting due to our hunger,” stated Nigerian activist Banwo Olagokun in an interview with the BBC. Olagokun, a member of the Take It Back Movement, explained that the rising inflation rate has made it difficult for Nigerians to afford basic necessities such as food, water, clothing, and medical care. Nigeria is currently facing its worst economic crisis in decades, with annual inflation at 34.19% and food prices skyrocketing.
Despite government pleas to halt the protests, the Take It Back Movement is calling for 10 days of demonstrations starting on Thursday. The movement is demanding government action to address the cost-of-living crisis and provide free education at all levels. Some of their more radical demands include scrapping the 1999 constitution, allowing diaspora Nigerians to vote, and releasing a separatist leader from prison.
The upcoming protests have sparked emergency meetings among government officials, with President Bola Tinubu urging organizers to be patient and warning against violence. While the government has made some concessions, such as offering financial support for businesses and job opportunities, protest organizers believe these measures are not enough to address the root causes of the economic crisis.
The economic difficulties in Nigeria can be attributed to several factors, including currency devaluation, fuel subsidy removal, and security challenges. The government insists that these reforms were necessary, but many believe they were poorly planned and have led to increased hardship for the population.
As the country braces for potential mass protests, some fear a repeat of the violent #EndSars demonstrations from four years ago. President Tinubu’s daughter has cautioned against further protests, citing past violence and destruction of public property. Despite these warnings, the Take It Back Movement remains determined to rally for change and address the ongoing economic crisis in Nigeria. ¿Puedes ver que están luchando en contra de nosotros?”
El portavoz de Defensa, el general de división Edward Buba, ha advertido que el ejército del país intervendrá para prevenir cualquier violencia en las protestas, mientras que el jefe de policía Kayode Egbetokun culpó a “cruzados e influencers auto designados” de estar detrás de ellas.
Los organizadores han calificado las advertencias de violencia como una cortina de humo para una posible represión por parte del gobierno, diciendo que no les disuadirá.
“No soy un profeta, como me gusta decir, pero una cosa que puedo asegurar es que los nigerianos son resueltos y protestaremos,” declara el Sr. Sanyaolu.
“Los manifestantes no tienen nada que perder excepto sus cadenas,” agrega, haciendo referencia a Karl Marx.
Luego citó un himno: “Un hombre que está abajo, no debe temer caer. Ya estamos abajo, así que hemos perdido nuestro miedo.”
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