Nigerians are drawing inspiration from Kenya as they prepare for a planned nationwide strike scheduled from August 1 to 10.
The plans, which are in their final stages of conclusion, have thrown the administration into panic mode.
This will be the first protest since President Bola Tinubu took over the presidency in May 2023. Since he was sworn in, his presidency has been plagued with various controversies, while there is widespread hunger and insecurity. According to the latest statistics, food inflation remains at 40% while general inflation stands at 34.19%.
According to report, the protest is scheduled to take place in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT. The online portal notes that the organizers, particularly from the northern region, remain anonymous.
There are popular social media commentators who have declared their support for the protest, stressing that they will participate.
The 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) Omoyele Sowore has thrown his hat in the ring and has been campaigning for the August protest via his social media handles.
Sowore had led several protests in the country and said the revolution would start in August, insisting that "Nothing Can Stop An Idea Whose Time Has Come" #RevolutionNOW."
Sowore wrote: "The REVOLUTION is now knocking on our doors! #RevolutionNow. Let everyone rise all once in August 2024!
"Nothing can stop an idea whose time has come. They asked for a revolution and It is here now! @officialABAT once asked for a revolution, even @MBuhari once asked for a revolution and Nigerians now want a real revolution.
"Nothing Can Stop An Idea Whose Time Has Come" #RevolutionNOW."
He has made several other posts including a demand from the federal government.
Charly boy
The legendary Nigerian artiste, Charles Oputa popularly known as Charly Boy, sometimes called Area Papa, has voiced his confidence in the nation's youth ahead of the protest.
Reacting to the reports of the protest, he expressed his unwavering support for the youth. He emphasized his long-standing belief in their ability to bring about change and declared his readiness to join them when they demonstrated serious intent.
He highlighted the right to peaceful protest, stating that fear is the only obstacle that can hinder the youth's efforts. He also called for non-violent demonstrations, pointing to Kenya as an example of effective, peaceful protest. Charly Boy expressed his belief in the exceptional nature of Nigerian youth and their capacity to instigate meaningful change.
"Until that day, I will sit in my house watching. When they finally say enough is enough and they mean it, their father will be in the front. That time I will know that they are now serious. 'I go know say their mumu don belefu' them.
Popular social media activist, Martins Vincent Otse, better known as Verydarkman has become a cult hero on social media for assisting some Nigerians recover money lost through fraudulent means.
In a call-to-action on his Instagram page, he implored the youths to storm out in mass on July 29 and August 5th to pour their frustration on the government.
The activist expressed dissatisfaction with President Bola Tinubu's administration highlighting the rising costs of foodstuffs, transportation, and rent, while salaries remain insufficient and are often delayed.
He said, "As a person I boldly as I do not like Asiwaju Bola Ahmed tinubu administration is as if the people are seen as fools, we cannot continue like this ENOUGH IS ENOUGH, see the price of foodstuffs, see the prices of transportation and see the prices of rent yet the salaries are poor and they come in late."
"We cannot continue like this and we have to do something about this and make sure the government gives us a solution, dear youth we should stand but stand with an outlined solution and priorities so we will be taken seriously and so we will not be taken advantaged of by the people that have their agenda, PROTEST PROTEST yes we will protest alongside youth leaders that can speak on everyone's behalf, let's pepper them the right way".
Joe Ajaero
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) led by Comrade Joe Ajaero has threatened to embark on a one-month national strike action if the National Assembly passes into law 'unpatriotic and obnoxious policies' that could hinder the success of a New Minimum Wage Act for Nigerian workers.
Organized Labour stressed it will not accept any slave wage as President Bola Tinubu prepares to pass the Minimum wage bill to the National Assembly next week.
Speaking at the 67th yearly meeting of the Nigeria Employers' Consultative Association (NECA), NLC President, Joe Ajaero said Nigerian workers and citizens have had enough in terms of hardship.
He vowed that any attempt to disrespect or discredit the Nigerian worker irrespective of the states they are from would be resisted by the NLC.
PidomNigeria
The popular account which is managed by an unidentified individual shares regular posts and updates about the protest.
A recent post on X reads: "The Nigerian Air Force has asked all her personnel to be on alert. No leave, no pass."
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