Following protests in Minna, Niger State over the rising cost of living, another wave of demonstrations has emerged in Suleja, also in Niger State, with protesters calling on President Bola Tinubu to address the hardships they are facing. Suleja, located near the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, witnessed demonstrators wielding placards with messages such as “Tinubu, Do Something Now!” and “Stop The Hardship Now”, expressing their frustration with the current situation.
The protest in Minna had seen a group of women blocking the Minna-Bida Road at the Kpakungu roundabout to voice their grievances over the escalating prices of food items. This protest disrupted travel to major cities in the South such as Lagos and Ibadan, as the demonstrators held their ground from as early as 7am. Despite efforts by the deputy governor of the state, Yakubu Garba, to calm the situation, the protesters remained adamant, expressing their discontent with the government’s response.
Aisha Jibrin, a housewife leading the women’s protest, highlighted the dire impact of the rising cost of living, stating that many woke up without anything to eat. Musulumi Mikaila emphasized the strain on families, with husbands struggling to provide for their families due to inadequate salaries. The protesters lamented the lack of essential services such as stable power supply and water, coupled with the high cost of food items, leading to increased stress and health issues.
Former National Vice Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the North West, Salihu Mohammed Lukman, urged President Tinubu to take the protests seriously. Meanwhile, the Federal Government convened an emergency meeting, chaired by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, to address the situation.
Briefing reporters after the meeting, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, conveyed President Tinubu’s concern over the protests. He assured that the government is taking action to ensure food availability, including unlocking food reserves and engaging with key stakeholders in the food supply chain.
Daily Trust