Protest broke out in Oyo State, South-West Nigeria, on Monday, over high cost of living, food inflation and the current economic hardship in the country.
Occurring within the Mokola region of Ibadan, the state capital, throngs of youths bearing placards voiced their grievances through chants. The placards displayed various messages including ‘Address food price surge and inflation’, ‘The impoverished suffer hunger’, ‘Tinubu, uphold your commitments’, and similar sentiments.
Police officers were observed at the protest site while demonstrators peacefully rallied against the economic challenges spurred by the removal of petrol subsidy and the unification of foreign exchange windows.
Police warning!
On Sunday, the police issued a warning stating that they would not tolerate any disturbances of peace during protests in the state. The demonstration in Oyo is part of a series of protests, including those in Kano and Minna, driven by economic challenges stemming from the removal of petrol subsidies, food inflation, and the high cost of living.
Go After Hoarders Of Food Items’
President Bola Tinubu issued directives to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun; and the Director General of the Department of State Service (DSS), Yusuf Bichi, last Thursday. They were instructed to collaborate with governors in pursuing individuals hoarding food supplies.
During a meeting with governors from all 36 states in Abuja last week, the President also stated that he opposed the idea of importing food items and clarified that he had no plans to establish a price control board.
I will not approve the importation of Food!
The President emphasized his stance during the meeting, stating, “I will not establish a price control board, nor will I authorize food importation.” He expressed concerns that importing food could lead to fraudulent practices and mismanagement, instead advocating for supporting farmers to increase local food production.
Furthermore, the President directed the release of grains to alleviate the escalating prices of food items. Despite these measures, numerous Nigerians remain discontented with the prevailing economic challenges in the country.
