Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has attributed the widespread anger and hunger across Nigeria as the primary reasons behind the planned nationwide protest set for August 1.
Speaking at the grand finale of the 2024 Ibadan Cultural Week, organised by the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Makinde addressed the audience at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium in Ibadan, emphasising the citizens’ right to protest.
“Yes, protest is everybody’s right,” Makinde stated, urging that the demonstrations be conducted peacefully. He emphasised the importance of avoiding violence and the destruction of public facilities, noting, “We used your money to build all the structures and facilities we have put in place in this state, not mine. If you want to protest, it must be peaceful.”
The governor acknowledged the country’s current hardships, saying, “Nigeria could be in this situation for now. We could be experiencing anger and hunger in the land, and that is why our people want to protest.”
Makinde advised protesters to refrain from damaging government property, highlighting that funds needed for meaningful projects would otherwise be diverted to repair any destroyed facilities. “If you begin your protest, don’t destroy government properties, otherwise, we will have to use the money we are supposed to spend on meaningful projects to replace facilities that may get destroyed,” he cautioned.
The protest, scheduled for August 1, aims to address the ongoing hunger crisis affecting the nation.
