Nationwide Protest: Antecedents of events and fear of the unknown, by Jane Aiso
Protest is defined as a statement or action expressing disapproval of, or objection to something – Oxford dictionary.
Nigeria as a nation has experienced so many protests from the colonial rule till date.
Starting from the Aba Women Riot of 1929, where women protested against tax levies imposed by the colonial government.
Then there is the Abeokuta Women Protest of 1947, led by Funmilayo Ransome Kuti, that eventually led to the abolition of the tax regime by the colonial government.
And there was the universities nationwide protest of 1978 on 50kobo increase in student fees tagged “Ali must go”.
Another protest by national union of Nigerian students in 1989 on effect of Structural Adjustments Programme (SAP) introduced by Ibrahim Babangida-led government.
Similarly, the June 12th 1993 general election annulment of results by military President Ibrahim Babangida saw a protest that resulted in the removal of the president and a change from military to democracy.
The protest against subsidy removal attempt by the federal government in 2012 yielded positive results as Nigeria stopped the move and continued with the payment of fuel subsidy.
READ ALSO: Perspectives, other things to know about the looming August 1st nationwide protest, by Ayuba Ahmad
The endsars protest in Nigeria can not be over emphasised. This served as an eye opener for Nigerian government to know that citizens are not happy.
The country has been under pressure even before the general election.
However, what has been the outcome of previous protests in Nigeria? Did organisers of each protest mentioned above truly achieve their aims?
What will be the target and direction of the looming nationwide protest that the government has been putting in extensive efforts to avert it. Security agencies have issued warnings about possible hijack and unrest by some individuals. Various protest groups across the nation are firm on their stance to carry out the protest.
Nigerians are now panic buying food items and other essentials, no one knows what the outcome of the protest will be, there is tension everywhere as the whole nation silently wait for 1st August 2024.
Special thanks to Abdul Wasiu Amo Ishaq, International Relations Analyst, for his valuable contributions and vital information.
Jane Aiso, a Mass Communication graduate from the University of Maiduguri, is a skilled writer from Abuja with a passion for creative and objective content creation.
Proofreading by Gift Luckson, Editor at Neptune Prime.
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