On Tuesday, demonstrators flooded the streets of Akure, the Ondo State capital, protesting against the worsening economic conditions under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The protest, which began at the popular Cathedral Church junction, saw participants chanting anti-government slogans, calling on President Tinubu to address issues such as rising hunger, fuel prices, and skyrocketing electricity costs.
Human rights activists, under the banner of #RevolutionNow, joined the protest, while armed police officers and Department of State Services (DSS) personnel closely monitored the situation.
The protesters also garnered support from commercial drivers and motorcyclists, who expressed their frustrations over the inconsistency of fuel prices at filling stations in the state.
Kunle Wiseman Ajayi, one of the protest leaders, spoke to journalists at the protest ground, accusing the government of being unresponsive to the economic struggles of Nigerians. He highlighted the growing hardship faced by citizens under the current administration.
“Nigerians are both angry and hungry due to the poor economic policies of Tinubu’s government. The price of fuel and food is too high; the common man can no longer feed properly. Do they want to starve us? Why is the government ignoring the people’s cries?” Ajayi lamented.
He added, “There is hunger across the nation and inflation is skyrocketing due to bad economic decisions. We demand an immediate reversal of fuel subsidy removal and electricity price hikes. This government is squandering resources while enriching itself. We say ‘Enough is Enough.’ Let the common man breathe.”
Ajayi outlined the group’s demands, which included an end to hunger, reduction in the cost of food, the creation of jobs for youths, lower fuel and electricity prices, and the introduction of free education. He vowed that the protests would continue until the government took action to address their concerns.
Another activist, Seyi Ogundipe, echoed Ajayi’s sentiments, warning that the economic crisis was jeopardizing the future of self-reliant Nigerian youths and entrepreneurs. He emphasized that continued hardship could lead to rising unemployment and increased criminality among the youth.
Despite the protest, business activities, markets, and shops in Akure remained open, with residents carrying on their daily routines.
Protesters Take to the Streets Over Economic Hardship in Ondo
