Independence Day: Police teargas protesters in Abuja

Nigerian police, on Tuesday, clamped down on Nigerians who defied treason charges and the possible death penalty to protest the soaring cost of living under President Bola Tinubu’s government.

Tagged “Fearless in October,” the protests took place in Abuja and Lagos, with demonstrators hitting the streets on Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day, lamenting the economic crisis under Mr Tinubu’s leadership.

“What are you saying? We are hungry,” the protesters chanted as they walked through the streets of Abuja. Similarly, in Lagos, protesters held placards lamenting the economic hardships in the country.

“Place all politicians on minimum wage,” and “Reverse electricity tariffs,” were some of the inscriptions on the protesters’ placards.

However, the peaceful protests were met with a vehement crackdown as Nigerian police tear gassed protesters in Abuja, forcing them to scatter for safety.

A video from the Abuja protest scene showed a protester wearing a “Take It Back” face cap, condemning the Nigerian police for quelling the protests when they should be combating bandits.

“This is the kind of repression we are talking about in Nigeria. Last time, they spent $35 million to quell the August 1 protests. They will not go and fight bandits. They will not fight herdsmen killing people. But they will always show force against protesters,” he lamented.

Tuesday’s protests were held despite Mr Tinubu’s government charging those who protested over the same issue in August with treason, a crime punishable by death according to the Nigerian constitution.

Amnesty International and other human rights organisations have condemned the Nigerian government for charging protesters with treason.

In his Independence Day speech, Mr Tinubu acknowledged the suffering of Nigerians while urging them to be patient with his government.

“Once again, I plead for your patience,” Mr Tinubu said. “I understand the struggles many of you face in these challenging times. Our administration knows that many of you struggle with rising costs and the search for meaningful employment.”

He added, “I want to assure you that your voices are heard. As your president, I want to assure you that we are committed to finding sustainable solutions to the suffering of our citizens.”