Opinion
An Abuja-based Journalist Expressed Concerns over the Proposed August 1st mass austerity protest
By Admin
The Associate Director Editorial/Administration, naijayouthrebirth.ng, Prince Abdulrahman Obaje has expressed concerns over the proposed August 1st mass austerity protest.
In an opinion titled ‘A note on the proposed August 1st protest ’ and published on the Informavores located at https://www.
Citing the Sudanese phenomenon, he said since the first protest that started on December 18th, 2018 that ousted President Bashir within four months of the protest, down the line up until now economic situation and hardship in Sudan has not abate.
He further said that, “The economic situation in the country is dire. From fuel to every other commodities, things are no more affordable. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), said Nigeria’s food inflation rate hit a record high of 40.66 percent in May 2024, surpassing the previous month’s 40.53 increase. Cadre Harmonisé analysis, in its March 2024 release approximated that 4.8 million people in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states are experiencing severe food insecurity, the highest level in seven years.
He continued by saying, ”However, violent protest and unrest has not help bring succour to Sudan. Violent protest will not bring the immediate changes we desire. A selfish protest organiser will not tell you this. ”
”And let us observe those calling for the protest. Let us scrutinise their background and be sure it is not in their selfish interest. Let us be sure that their family members, even abroad would come down to join the protest. Do not let anybody cajole us to embark on a selfish and disastrous protest that will spell doom for our future. Let us use our head!”
“Instead, the Civil Society Organisations, professional bodies and individuals should engage more with the federal government and make their findings and activities public.”
“We know that the Federal Government is trying but it should do more by engaging the Civil Society Organisations, professional bodies, opposition parties and individuals to alleviate the immediate and long term suffering of the masses, as this type of suffering is strange to our people”, he said
