- Protesters expressed frustration over the soaring prices of food and commodities
Ahead of the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest scheduled for August 1 to 10, 2024, Sokoto State residents staged a peaceful demonstration on Wednesday to highlight their dire conditions. The protest underscored critical issues faced by the community.
Protesters expressed frustration over the soaring prices of food and commodities, which have risen by over 100%. “We are left hungry. A lot of people die of starvation,” one protester said.
The demonstrators also criticized the government’s handling of security issues. “In our area, Suktu Northeast, we are facing terrorism and kidnapping every day and every hour,” another protester noted, urging increased support from the federal government.
The performance of elected officials was also called into question. “Our House of Representative members, senators, governors, Chairman of Nigeria’s local government left us behind,” one speaker lamented, emphasizing the disconnect between the government and the people.
Reaffirming their commitment to peaceful demonstration, the protesters stated, “It isn’t democracy if we are denied our right of protest.” They called for a return to effective governance and leadership, remarking, “Justice is denied in Nigeria today. Politicians treat Nigerians like animals.”
Addressing local issues, they highlighted that “the road from Gwarenyo to Gwarao to Rimawa was blocked by kidnappers. We must live in Nigeria and do anything to bring unity.”