On Thursday, a group of protesters boldly disregarded a court injunction prohibiting their demonstrations against the government.
Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja had issued a ruling on Wednesday, limiting the protests on August 1 to the MKO Abiola Stadium. This decision was made following an ex-parte application submitted by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
However, the frustrated demonstrators, representing the ‘Take It Back Movement,’ were spotted marching toward Eagle Square, brandishing signs with slogans such as “Hunger is enough” and “End bad governance in Nigeria.”
Initially, the protesters gathered at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in the capital. Emmanuel Larry, a resident of the FCT, expressed that his dire situation motivated him to join the protest.
“I was compelled by hunger to take to the streets today,” he asserted. He emphasized the necessity for the government to respond to their grievances, insisting that contrary to claims that the protests would be canceled, they are scheduled to continue from August 1 to August 10.
“Today marks a day of hunger; we pledge to occupy the streets of Abuja. I cannot afford fuel, or even basic necessities. The governance in this country is severely lacking. The government has resorted to propaganda and misinformation to suggest that the protests are off,” he stated.
“The protests are very much on. We will remain on the streets for ten days. If our demands are ignored, we will continue to protest. Issues like hunger, insecurity, and inadequate housing have driven me to demonstrate. There are numerous challenges plaguing our country.”
