Some Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Edo announced on Saturday their withdrawal from the ongoing nationwide protest against bad governance and hunger.
At a press conference in Benin, Curtis Ugbebor, a leader of the protest, explained that the withdrawal was due to an intelligence report and the need to re-strategize.
“At this juncture, due to an intelligence report, the CSO is withdrawing from the protest to re-strategize. This is not to say that Nigerians who wish to express themselves cannot do so,” Ugbebor stated. “We have achieved a lot and stated our demands, which we expect the government to address. This has been achieved without bloodshed and destruction of properties. We will continue to ensure that the federal and state governments address the demands of Edo State citizens.”
Emmanuel Ogude, another protest leader, urged the government to address the issue of hunger in the country and suggested that politicians should earn the national minimum wage.
“Every politician that wants to serve must be placed under the national minimum wage because there is hunger in the land,” Ogude said. “We want the electricity tariff and fuel price to be returned to their previous levels. All federal roads leading to Edo State should be fixed immediately. We want the government to adhere to our demands.”
Despite the CSOs’ withdrawal, protesters gathered in large numbers at Ring Road on Saturday, dancing to popular songs and moving around the area.
At one point, the organizers grew apprehensive about a group that appeared midway through the protest. Ero, a member of the planning committee, indicated that this group needed to be closely watched to maintain the protest’s peaceful nature.
Police and other security agencies were present to ensure safety, blocking all entry points to prevent hoodlums from infiltrating the protest.
Businesses on Lagos Street and Oba Market remained open, allowing residents to purchase goods, particularly food items, and vehicular and human movements improved in the area.
