Scores of Nigerians have protested in Abuja over country’s economic hardship, as they pressed demand for change from the government.
The protesters, led by activist Deji Adeyanju, defied heavy security presence to converge on the Julius Berger roundabout by 8:00am on Wednesday.
Our correspondent observed the protesters were carrying placards with bold inscriptions such as ‘We are hungry’, ‘June 12: A day of action against hunger & hardship’ while chanting slogans.
They accused the government of implementing anti-people policies that have led to widespread poverty and suffering.
The protesters demanded that the government takes immediate steps to address the issues facing Nigerians, including an end to corruption and impunity, and prioritization of citizens’ welfare.
Speaking to journalists, during the demonstration, Adeyanju said, “We have gathered here because we believe that the DSS should not intimidate Nigerians. The DSS should not be the ones telling Nigerians when to protest and when not to protest.
“That is why, in defiance to the threat issued by the DSS yesterday warning all Nigerians to stay off the protest, we have decided that no matter how few we are, we will come and make our grievances known.
“The country is not working, Nigerians are hungry, the economy is bad, the Naira has depreciated. For 25 years of democracy, there is nothing to show for it except poverty, hunger, and corruption.
“We celebrate the memory of late Moshood Abiola for the sacrifice he made during the June 12 struggle. We will continue to enjoin the leaders who are now reaping from where they did not sow that they should be more democratic and stay away from corruption.
“We will continue to protest against bad governance, corruption, and economic hardship wherever we are, and we will not be intimidated by the empty threat of the DSS.”
Despite the heavy security presence, the protest remained peaceful, with no reports of violence or arrests.
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