Opposition to the proposed August 1st mass protest in Nigeria is gaining momentum, with various groups and individuals speaking out against the move. The protest, which was called to draw attention to the country's economic hardship, has been met with resistance from pro-democracy activists, ethnic groups, and the government.
Pro-democracy activists under the aegis of The Forum for the Sustainance of Democracy have appealed to promoters of the proposed protest to shelve the event in the interest of peace. They argue that the protest could be hijacked by hoodlums and lead to violence, thereby causing more harm than good.
Similarly, the Urhobo Progress Union (Youth Wing, Worldwide) has announced that they will not participate in the proposed nationwide protests against economic hardship. They claim that the protest is not well-thought-out and could lead to chaos.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused opposition parties of instigating mass protests to undermine the government. They argue that the protests are politically motivated and aimed at causing social unrest.
The government has responded to the protests by urging citizens to be vigilant and not lend themselves to what they describe as the opposition's attempt to promote social strife and undermine the government. President Bola Tinubu has appealed to Nigerians to shelve the planned nationwide protest, asking for more time to address the economic hardships facing the country.
The minister of information and national orientation, Mohammed Idris, explained that while Nigerians have the constitutionally guaranteed right to protest, the federal government was aware some people were planning to hijack the demonstration to cause trouble.
As the opposition to the proposed protest grows, it remains to be seen whether the protest will go ahead as planned. One thing is certain, however: the government and various groups are taking steps to prevent the protest from taking place, citing concerns about violence and social unrest.
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