Sources within the security forces over the weekend indicated that there are at least three main demands, despite the fact that the organisers of the impending statewide protest are anonymous. Speaking from intelligence that was at their disposal, the sources claimed that security personnel were aware of the protest organisers and their financial sources just four days prior to the scheduled demonstration.
Furthermore, they stated that the demonstration organisers’ goal is to severely damage the current government as part of a bigger plan related to the campaigns leading up to 2027. Tension has been rife around the country as certain Nigerians, who are upset with the situation of the country and particularly the economic slump, have planned to begin a 10-day statewide protest on Thursday, August 1.
Opposition to the protest has been strong among security forces, ranging from the government to civil society organisations, political leaders, traditional rulers, and ethnic groups, among others. They insist that it could get out of control and turn violent, citing the #EndSARS protest in 2020, which was allegedly hijacked by thugs after violence started to creep in.
In response, supporters of the promoters argue that Nigerians have a constitutional right to protest and that security forces should be held accountable for ensuring their safety. Over the weekend, Sunday Vanguard was informed by multiple security sources that intelligence indicated the three primary demands of the organisers of the impending protest were an end to corruption, economic hardship, and hunger in the nation.
According to one of the sources, “Yes, on the surface, they want to complain about hunger, they want to complain about economic hardship, and they want to complain about corruption.” “But will their protest eliminate hunger today?” he continued. No. Is every effort being made by the administration to alter that? Indeed. “Now, whether or not they gave out a single bag of rice, that might have been the Federal Government’s work. The state is made up of layers and strata.
“What if the federal government is joined by state governments and other subnational entities? Government action would occur if the federal government contributed 20 bags, the states brought 15, and local governments brought 20. However, if you were hoping that the federal government would take care of everything, then their contribution would be little.
“There are several options available, such as conditional cash transfers, palliative care, and recently launched student loan programs.” Despite being anonymous to the public, the demonstration organisers were recognised by security personnel, according to a different source. The promoters lack a clear leader and use social media for their mobilisation, making them faceless.
The security source, however, said that they were young people from Generation Z, or Gen Z. They also claimed that their financial sources had been discovered, but they added that security personnel would not take action against them because that would go against democratic principles. Do these individuals (promoters) know us? Indeed, he replied. What is the organization’s composition and texture? Yes, opposition does always imply political opposition when we use that word.
Opposition can also refer to any individual or group that is unwilling to support the laws, plans, and policies of the ruling government.Therefore, when we talk about opposition, we can also refer to individuals, CSOs, and politicians. Thus, you can determine who performs what if you combine them.
Goal
Regarding the promoters’ goal, the insider clarified: “In this instance, what is their goal, what is the goal of the protest? “You ought to comprehend the political context and culture of Africa as well as ours.”The demonstration organisers’ goal is to severely damage the current administration’s popularity.And once more, 2027 politics are under way. They have launched campaigns without the involvement of INEC.
And in order to accomplish long-term goals, people are using a variety of deceitful tactics. Another goal of regime transition is that it may not be rapid but rather long-term.The realisation of such may be the reason for Bayo Onanuga’s response.
He was speaking politics, not security. The Labour Party and Obi, who are able to communicate with him, have also responded. We are the ones who are under stress when they are doing it because security personnel must now step in and lessen the consequences.
