Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has attributed the widespread anger and hunger across Nigeria as the main driving force behind the planned nationwide protest set for August 1, 2024, DAILY POST reported.
Speaking at the grand finale of the 2024 Ibadan Cultural Week, organized by the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Makinde addressed the growing discontent among Nigerians.
The event, held on Saturday at Obafemi Awolowo Stadium in Ibadan, saw Governor Makinde acknowledge the citizens' right to protest while urging for peaceful demonstrations.
"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," he stated.
Makinde emphasized that while the right to protest is fundamental, it should be exercised without resorting to violence or the destruction of public property.
"Yes, protest is everybody's right. But remember that we used your money to build all the structures and facilities we have put in place in this state, not mine. So, if you want to protest, it must be peaceful," he said.
The governor's remarks come as the nation prepares for a protest against the worsening economic conditions, which have led to increased hardship for many Nigerians.
The planned protest aims to highlight the urgent need for the government to address the issues of hunger and economic instability affecting the populace.
Makinde further cautioned protesters against damaging government properties, noting that resources used to repair any destruction would detract from funds meant for other meaningful projects.
"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 warned.
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