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ACTIVISTS’ ARREST: NO GOING BACK ON PLANNED PROTEST – NIGERIAN YOUTHS
Amid the arrest of some activists by operatives of the Department of State Service, DSS, Nigerian youths have vowed to remain resolute and protest an end to “bad governance” in the country.
Operatives of the DSS allegedly arrested some activists over their involvement in the planned protest.
According to reports, Bashir Abubakar was arrested by the DSS for advertising T-shirts he made for the planned protest.
Also, another activist, according to Omoyele Sowore, was remanded at a correctional facility in Kano State for posting about the protest.
It will be recalled that in a lengthy tweet published on his X account on Saturday, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, warned against staging a protest against the federal government.
Onanuga, on the other hand, proposed a Save Nigeria Rally from August 1–15, 2024, in response to preparations for statewide protest on August 1–10 over growing cost of living and economic hardship.
However, in several social media statements, youths promised to stage the planned protest, noting that arrest and intimidation would not deter them or make them change course.
Reacting to the news of the arrests of the activists, Bello Aminu said, “We shouldn’t be scared of their apprehension. Let’s continue to sacrifice our lives for others to live. We are not here in the world forever.
“Protest is a lawful procession. Therefore, we shouldn’t panic.”
Ben Samuel mentioned that “peaceful protest is a legal right. Many of them are suffering from the ongoing hardship but remain silent.”
Adewale Damilare mentioned that “people advising Tinubu should stop pushing him into the bush. This singular act can even trigger the planned protest before the scheduled date. He has enough time to pacify the masses, but I guess his pride will not allow him to listen to the voice of reasoning.”
Sunny Alexis, in his reaction, stated that the planned protest must go on regardless of the threats and intimidation from security personnel.
“If they want to arrest everyone of us, there are no problems because we are not slaves and we must stand for our rights. These people have done enough,” he said.
Other reactions include;
Apostle Timothy, “So someone can’t show his hand again. I wonder if we all are not Nigerian citizens; they can’t use this strength and power they have to arrest common Yahaya Bello. When it reaches the poor man, they will show they have power and strength. I feel shameful for this firm.”
Oluwatoyin Dunmade, “DSS release Abubakar now. Don’t think you can silence the people. Democracy is the government of the people, by the people, and for the people. Nigerians are ready and more than ready to take their destiny into their own hands.”
Yemie, “But if you lead responsibility and get police and security involved for us to have a peaceful protest where no life will be lost but just to show the government what we are going through, instead you want to lead arrogantly, and yes, we are always victims because we have no voice.”
Mr. Nice Guy, “Nigerians should not be oppressed or intimidated by this evil government, which enjoyed the same during the Jonathan era. Everyone must rise. Enough is enough; no one owns this country. Revolution Now.”
Samson: “I’m so pissed to be called a Nigerian, as the people supporting this failed government are also known as Nigerians.
“If this protest doesn’t hold and those useless politicians are still there parading arrogantly about it, I will denounce this country just like Simon Ekpa did.”Don Teddy “My advice is that we should be very prepared. Prepare for any eventualities, ranging from shooting tear gas to live bullets. The directors and commanders may become overzealous. However, we will overcome them all.”
