The expression, the day is pregnant is majorly what was experienced by Nigerians yesterday. Many Nigerians took to the street to exercise their right to protest against the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The protest had already been scheduled for 1st of August with many political, religious and cultural bodies excluding themselves and their members from participating in the protest. Yet, as early as 8am, citizens began gathering at the entrance of the MKO Abiola stadium in Abuja to exercise their right. Armed Policemen arrived at the scene and tried to force them into the stadium following the court order, but the procession moved on to central area where teargas was thrown at them.
The protest held in many parts of the country, some peaceful, others took a left turn causing the governors to place a curfew in those locations.
The following states recorded peaceful protest with minimal to no damage of properties or loss of lives: Plateau, Lagos, Rivers, Taraba, Delta, and the FCT.
However, there were reports of violence in Nassarawa, Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Jigawa, Yobe and Bauchi.
The governors have also declared curfew after the destruction of properties and looting. Bayelsa also had reports of injured protesters by hoodlums.
The IGP asked the organisers of the protest to conduct themselves as states records more deaths in state.
Some anti-protesters arrived at the scene in Lagos and Abuja. They held placards saying No to the protest, however upon interview, they voiced the same grievances as the protesters.
The day was pregnant, but the protest was announced, expected and anticipated. With the formation of security personnel in different areas, one would think the only way to have prevented the protest was through use of force.
We would definitely be giving you updates on day 2, more to come later.
