Residents of Ondo State took to the streets on Tuesday to voice their frustrations over the severe economic difficulties under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The protest, dubbed #FearlessInOctober, featured participants, including human rights activists, demanding urgent action to address rising food prices, inflation, and the high cost of petrol.
Despite warnings from the state police, who had advised against public demonstrations during the Independence Day celebrations, protesters gathered at the Cathedral Church junction in Akure. They chanted slogans and called for the government to tackle hunger, lower petrol prices, and reduce electricity tariffs.
Police and state security services monitored the protest, which also highlighted grievances from commercial drivers and motorcyclists regarding inconsistent fuel prices at stations.
Protester Kunle Wiseman Ajayi criticized the government for its insensitivity to the hardships faced by Nigerians, stating that the current administration’s policies have exacerbated the economic crisis. He emphasized that many people are struggling to afford basic necessities and urged the government to reverse the fuel subsidy and electricity tariffs.
Ajayi outlined the protesters’ demands, which included alleviating hunger, lowering food costs, creating jobs for youth, and providing free education. He asserted that the demonstrations would continue until their concerns were addressed.
Another protester, Seyi Ogundipe, noted that the economic challenges have hindered the aspirations of many self-reliant young people, warning that without intervention, unemployment could rise and lead to increased crime.
