The Niger Delta region on Thursday witnessed a massive wave of protests as citizens voiced their frustrations over bad governance and economic hardship.
The protests, which are set to continue until August 10th, saw participants from various states in the region, including Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Delta.
Protesters carried placards with inscriptions such as “End Bad Governance in Nigeria,” “Reduce Fuel Price,” and “We dey hungry.” The demonstrations were marked by a mix of peaceful marches and confrontations with security forces.
In Ughelli North council, security agents fired tear gas at protesters stationed at Otovwodo junction. Some women protesters alleged that the council chairman attempted to bribe them to withdraw from the protest.
In Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State, there was a palpable sense of unease as shops, markets, banks, and public offices remained shut.
Protesters rebuffed Governor Siminalayi Fubara's promises of "small thing" for their pure (sachet) water, emphasizing that their grievances were directed at the Federal Government. Placards read: “We deserve better governance, not corruption,” and “Nigerians are dying daily, let’s take it back.”
The protests were not without violence. In Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, protesters were unexpectedly attacked from behind with bottles and planks of wood but were swiftly protected by police officers.
Despite the morning showers, protesters marched through the Yenagoa-Mbiama Road and Melford Okilo Road, chanting solidarity songs and demanding action to end the high cost of living and hunger.
A native doctor, Okoro Chijioke, lamented the economic situation, stating, “Nobody brings foul, goat and all those things to my shrine again because these items are expensive. Before now, I was at my best time. I don’t know what is happening now.” He called on the government to reverse the subsidy and fix infrastructure.
In Asaba, Delta State, anti-protesters manhandled four journalists, smashing their gadgets and attacking them while security personnel watched unchallenged.
The journalists were later rescued by military personnel. The protests led to the barricading of the Otovwodo axis of the East West Road, with protesters burning tyres after security agents fired canisters at them.
Business owners expressed fear of looting, reminiscent of the #EndSARS protests. Mr. Arinze, a dealer on curtains and window blinds, said, “Most of us along this line didn’t open our shops because we are afraid of looters.” Similarly, Mr. Francis, an electronics shop owner, chose to keep his shop closed due to the risk of theft.
The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Abaniwonda Olufemi, noted the uncoordinated nature of the protests, which could lead to a breakdown of law and order. Despite the heavy presence of security operatives, Warri residents shunned the protest over fear of security presence.
Activists like Kola Edokpayi and Roy Oribhabo highlighted the deep-seated frustration and hunger driving the protests.
Edokpayi stated, “We don’t need to consult the oracle of the hill and the caves to demystify, it for us that the protest here is very peaceful, it is the voice of the unheard.”
Oribhabo added, “This is a product of frustration, this is a product of derivation. This is a product of hunger, you can now see poverty, hunger walking physically in the streets of Nigeria and we are saying no, government is too far away from the commoners.”
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