Normalcy returned to more states yesterday as the protests against the rising cost of living dissipated.

With protesters in Akwa Ibom, Osun and Edo states backing down, virtually all 17 states in the South, except Rivers, have abandoned the protest.

Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), also had a breather yesterday. Life returned to normal in most parts.

Lagos, the nation’s commercial city, returned to its boisterous self after protesters abandoned the Gani Fawhinmi Freedom Park, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broadcast on Saturday.

In states such as Oyo, Ogun and Delta, the protest was not noticeable yesterday.

Ondo, Ekiti, the Southeast states of Anambra, Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi and Imo remained peaceful.

Benue youths never joined the protest and were commended by Governor Hycienth Alia.

The 24-hour curfew imposed on Katsina and Kano states was relaxed following a gradual return to peace.

FCT
In Abuja, the presence of security operatives at the protest location – the Moshood Abiola National Stadium and other public places – was still noticeable yesterday even after the demonstrators had been dispersed.

A drive around the city showed that people went about their normal businesses, unlike the previous days.

The Freedom Park in Ojota, Lagos was deserted yesterday and business boomed across the sprawling former nation’s capital.

Edo
Commercial and government activities picked up in Benin, the state capital.

The state secretariat opened for the first time in the past six days while shop owners displayed their goods with enthusiasm.

Security agencies cleared roadblocks on Monday in strategic areas of the city, thus giving motorists and other residents the confidence to move without fear.

However, many banks did not open. Some customers were seen stranded at the entrances.

A coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) that occupied King Square on the popular Ring Road also withdrew from the protest.

Osun
Protesters in Osogbo suspended the demonstration to present a letter to Governor Ademola Adeleke.

Deputy Governor Kola Adewusi received the letter on behalf of Adeleke at the Government Secretariat in Abere.

Adewusi, who promised that their letter would be delivered to President Tinubu, urged the protesters to embrace dialogue to achieve their demands.

The deputy governor also hailed their orderly conduct since the protest started and promised to work with them toward ensuring that the state remained peaceful.

He said: “We will not relent in our efforts, as a government, in ensuring that the state continues to enjoy the dividends of democracy.

“The government has been paying salaries and backlogs, gratuity, wage awards, and other allowances; this is commendable. We are working for the best interest of the state.

“The government will continue to prioritise the welfare of its people. Once the supply of palliatives from the Federal Government is completed, disbursement will begin.

“I also admonish you to embrace dialogue and constructive engagement towards achieving your demands.”

After submitting the letter, the protesters, under the Coalition for Concerned Nigeria Citizens, addressed reporters at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat.

Adetunji Ajala, who spoke for the coalition, declared the demonstration suspended indefinitely because of the Osun Osogbo Festival whose grand finale is slated for Friday.

Ajala said: “Since the inception of this peaceful protest, we have made our demands clear, seeking immediate action from our leaders to address pressing issues affecting the citizens of our beloved state and country.

“We acknowledge the recent address by President Tinubu, but we are disappointed that his speech failed to address any of our specific demands.

‘’Despite this setback, we successfully presented our demands to Governor Adeleke, through the deputy governor.”

Akwa Ibom
The protest grounds in the state capital were also empty.

Governor Umo Eno praised the youth for distancing themselves from the protest and choosing peace.

To reciprocate their gesture, Eno said his administration would launch a social welfare programme to provide monthly support to about 5,000 youths.

The governor said: “We celebrate all of our youths wherever they are. They did not protest, not because the police stopped them, but because God spoke to them.

“I am extremely grateful to our youths for understanding that we can dialogue and get all that we want and that we can work together as a people.”

Last updated on September 13th, 2024 at 09:56 pm