Protest: ‘Our wives now into prostitution’

Nigerians are reacting in mass to the current protest rocking parts of the country, as some protesters in Okota, Lagos have stated that their wives are now into prostitution because of the hardship.

Speaking from the Ojota axis of Lagos State, a man who requested to speak in Yoruba, since he believed that the president is Yoruba, and that way he would understand him clearly said; “Our lives are not in order, our wives are now into prostitution, president Bola Tinubu please listen and do something”

He also made it known that this isn’t about whether it is Igbos protesting against the narratives by some parts of the state. “we are all Nigerians, and all of us are hungry, we want the government officials to come and have a roundtable with us on the streets”

Deji Adeyanju, one of the organisers of the protest, also said, they have not received any court injunctions that prohibited them from using the eagle square. “We have only been told to stay off the eagle square, and that we can only use the stadium, however the court did not say we should stay outside or inside, and we have not broken any any law” he said.

Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, highlighted the dangers of violent protests. In a statement signed by Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer, the IGP stressed the importance of maintaining peace and order during such events.

“It is not only in Nigeria that there is hardship. It is a global meltdown. Is the government doing anything about it? Yes! This is what a responsive government will do,” Egbetokun stated.

He acknowledged the widespread economic challenges but emphasised that the government is actively working to alleviate the impact on citizens. Reflecting on the 2020 EndSARS protests, the IGP warned about the repercussions of destructive actions.

“Where police stations were burnt down, criminals took over. Arms looted were in the wrong hands, and armed robbers took over. Women could no longer walk freely once it was 7 pm,” he recalled.

He underscored that the destruction of police infrastructure can lead to a breakdown in law and order, leaving communities vulnerable to crime.

Egbetokun noted that there are enough lessons to learn from previous violent protests in Nigeria, urging citizens to remember the chaos and suffering that followed such events. He highlighted the potential dangers of unchecked demonstrations, including loss of life, property damage, and widespread fear.

The IGP affirmed the right to protest, stating, “The right to protest is a right to peaceful protest.” He urged all Nigerians to exercise this right responsibly and avoid actions that could escalate into violence.