‘Hunger Protest May Lead To Riot, Looting’

Ahead of the nationwide protests, the National Stability by Patriotic Nigeria Youth Forum and other civil society groups have stated that the protests are nothing short of a call for national riots, looting, and, ultimately, anarchy.

The group stated this during a peaceful rally in support of the government’s decision to reject the protests planned by some groups in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, yesterday.

Addressing the gathering on behalf of the group, Comrade Olamide Odumosu said, “This so-called ‘August protests’ is nothing short of a call for national riots, looting, and ultimately anarchy. We must call it exactly what it is.”

Odumosu noted that the protests are an invitation for people who are hungry to loot shops, raid warehouses, and commit various acts of arson in the name of hunger. The outcome of these protests, if ever allowed, can never be anything but these unfortunate scenarios.

The group also commended President Tinubu for removing the ban and import duties on food items, as spearheaded by the Comptroller General of Customs, Mr Bashir A. Adeniyi.

“Incidentally, some known opposition figures have endorsed these protests but have carefully refused to participate. The question is: if these protests are solutions to national challenges, why are these disgruntled politicians avoiding them?

“We advise you not to be used as cannon fodder. It is common sense to ask someone urging you to do any task for a supposedly communal good why they are unwilling to join you.

“All those you consider your alternative leaders who are campaigning for protests have themselves rejected the protests by refusing to lead from the front lines or even to join.

“And those who like to argue that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the father or grandfather of protests in Nigeria are correct to the extent that Tinubu organised, participated in, and supported protests.”