Members of a human rights group, Take It Back Movement, on Monday stormed the streets of Lagos State to protest the rising prices of food and the high cost of living in the country.
This group’s protest was held against the backdrop of the warning issued by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, on Sunday.
Fayoade had said the police were aware of the plan by some people to protest in the state, adding that the force will ensure that necessary measures were put in place for the safety of the lives and property of Lagos residents.
The police boss stressed that nothing would hinder the free flow of traffic or a peaceful atmosphere for residents to carry out their lawful businesses.
The protesters were seen carrying placards with various inscriptions in the Ojuelegba area of the state to make their grievances known on the current economic hardship across the country.
TIB National Coordinator, Juwon Sanyaolu, described the protest as a demonstration of the people’s will against oppressive tendencies and hardship.
He said, “Yes, despite police attempts to frustrate the people, Lagosians stood their ground. The police are paid by taxpayers’ money, they are meant to secure us.
“We were able to match from Yaba Labour House to Maryland. The protest will continue tomorrow and updates will be given. We will join NLC in their nationwide mass action to put an end to this hardship created by the ruling elite.”
Stating their demands, Sanyaolu said, “The Tinubu-led government must immediately reverse the fuel subsidy removal, the floating of naira and other policies of the International Monetary Fund imposed on Nigerians.”
Also present at the protest were members of other civil society organisations such as the Joint Action Front and the Coalition for Revolution.
Police men and officers of the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps were also seen monitoring the protesters.
In Osogbo, Osun State capital, the protesters converged on Nelson Mandela Park, lamenting the effect of inflation and rising cost of living.
They urged the Federal Government to act to prevent the situation from getting out of hand.
In Benin City, Edo State capital, protesters marched from Kings Square to Akpakpava Road, wielding placards with inscriptions such as “End Economic Hardship”; “FG End the Hunger in Nigeria Now”; “We Are Tired of Hardship”; among others.
Labour is expected to begin its own protest on Tuesday.