LARGE number of pro and anti government protesters, amid heavy presence of security operatives, yesterday staged a peaceful protest in the Abuja on the current state of the Nigerian.
The protest, which kicked off from the popular Unity Fountain had in attendance market women, youths adults, several groups and Civil societies with different placards expressing their confidence and support for the present government.
The pro government protest, which was organised by the coalition for good governance and change initiative commenced their rally as early as 7:30am drawing the largest number of crowd mainly old women and youths.
Addressing journalists at the rally, the convener of the pro government protesters Comrade Okpokwu Ogenyi, said that the rally was to show the world that Nigerians are solidly behind the present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.
He recounted some of the promises of the government, which is being currently implemented to include the N5000 monthly stipend for vulnerable Nigerians and the N-power project.
On security, the coalition said the Nigerian troops have recorded achievement in bringing back peace to the Northeast and capturing Sambisa Forest which has been a major hideout for terrorists.
According to him “as Nigerians, we chose to analyse government policies and found out that the lost glory of Nigeria is returning with a full force. Yes, the Nigeria of today has built capacity for our military; the once dreaded Boko Haram has been defeated. Camp Zero in Sambisa, which should to house the defence headquarters of Abuja has been captured. This was where all the evil plots against our state was once coordinated.
“We are happy that unlike in the past when they brought the battle to Abuja and we were running away like cowards, the story has changed today as our gallant military have suffocated and sniffed every oxygen out of them.
“Under this administration, we have a health intervention program where the Federal Government engaged professionals on special cases of health challenges, carrying out operations that many have no money to undergo, the government did it free. Is this not changing?
“The social investment programme of Mr President is working. The school feeding project has commenced and being extended to states.
“While some complain of hunger, President Buhari has commenced payment of #5000 monthly stipends to vulnerable Nigerians, taking care of the extreme poor in the society, a promise fulfilled. We are here to appreciate Mr President and to behave like Oliver Twist that we want N10,000 by next year and we know Mr President is going to do that for us.
“Today, President Buhari’s administration is fixing young graduates with employers, they are also getting N30,000 monthly stipends while getting work experience through the N-Power Programme. We all know that SURE-P yesterday was for them and their drivers. We had a situation where even ministers and governors under the past administration disguised themselves as vulnerable and less privileged persons because of corruption. This case has changed because of President Buhari’s stands against corruption”.
Meanwhile, the anti government protesters commenced their protest by 9am in the morning at the same venue with the pro government protesters but were outnumbered by their rival.
The anti government protesters listed some of the shortcomings of the government and demanded a change in some of the policies of the government to make life easy for the citizens.
They also urged the government to take the fight against corruption serious by stepping on the toes of his town close allies who have been accused of different corrupt practices.
One of the protesters, Aisha Yesufu, said that they will not retreat nor surrender in pressing their demands from the government.
She said that Nigerians are tired of the poor power generation, increasing youth restiveness as a result of unemployment, and the current corruption bedevilling the country.
According to her ” On this fight to make Nigeria better, no retreat, no surrender, I am tired of being told that tomorrow will be better, as far as am concerned, I don’t have a tomorrow, what I have is today.
“I do not come to this country as an escort, am tired of the child of the poor being treated as a nobody, am tired of being important when it comes to election, I am tired of going back home and staying without light.”
It will be recalled that a popular Nigerian musical star, Innocent Idibia, popularly called 2baba had earlier scheduled a protest rally on Monday, February 6, but later cancelled the protest due to some security reasons.
However, some concerned Nigerians insisted that the protest must go on irrespective of the initiator backing out from the entire process.
After addressing journalists, the two protesting groups marched towards Aso Villa to conclude their protest amid tight security operatives.
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