DESPITE the rising discontent among Nigerians over economic hardships, particularly from fuel subsidy removal by President Bola Tinubu, student leaders from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and the National Association of University Students (NAUS) have opted for celebration over protest during Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day.

While many Nigerians had vowed to stage protests on October 1 to express their frustration with the government’s handling of the economy, a visit to key protest points in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) revealed a low turnout.

Though The ICIR gathered that some protesters converged at Utako in the earlier hour but they were quickly dispersed by the security operatives.

This is in contrast to earlier demonstrations held from August 1-10, which saw a significant number of Nigerians taking to the streets across the country to demand solutions to the economic challenges they face.

A visit to major convergent points such as Eagles Square, Moshood Abiola Stadium, Unity  fountain and other convergent points show the absence of protesters as security operatives were stationed across these places with no protester seen on the ground.

Some of these student leaders who gathered close to Unity fountain said they took a different path, gathering to celebrate Nigeria’s independence instead of embarking on the protest.

Speaking with The ICIR, a representative of the National Association of Nigerian Students, Adeolu Olanrewaju, noted that while Nigerians faced serious challenges, it remained important to celebrate the country’s growth.

“No matter how it may be, we are growing every day. Nigeria as a country is developing every day. We may not develop the way we want, but it’s a gradual process,” he stated.

Similarly, Senate President of NAUS, Oguntade Israel, expressed his preference for dialogue over protests, emphasising that protests in Nigeria are often misunderstood and sometimes hijacked.

“We Nigerians don’t know much about protests. Some see it as an avenue to loot properties. We are not the protesting type; we believe in dialogue with the government,” Israel said.

The deputy senate president, National Association Universities Student, Meshack Nwankwor, pointed out that while the economic realities were harsh, students had been engaging in “extensive dialogue and consultations” with the government.

He referenced recent government initiatives, such as the provision of CNG buses for students and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), as positive steps.

“We cannot deny the fact that there are areas where President Tinubu has done well, particularly with regards to education,” Nwankwor said.

Meanwhile, addressing the nation on the Independence Day, the President claimed that peace had been restored in many previously troubled communities in Nigeria, particularly in the northern region that had long suffered from insurgency.

He noted that within the first year of his administration, over 300 Boko Haram and bandit commanders were eliminated, particularly in the North-East and North-West regions.

“Our administration is winning the war on terror and banditry. Our target is to eliminate all the threats of Boko Haram, banditry, kidnapping for ransom, and the scourge of all forms of violent extremism. Within one year, our government has eliminated Boko Haram and bandit commanders faster than ever.

“As of the last count, over 300 Boko Haram and bandit commanders have been eliminated by our gallant troops in the North-East, North-West, and some other parts of the country,” he said.

However, data gathered by The ICIR showed that in one year, over 7,000 people were reportedly killed in various attacks during the President’s one year in office.

The President also announced his plans to convene a National Youth Conference and launch his administration’s Renewed Hope Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP).

He added that the National Youth Conference would be held for 30 days, bringing together youth representatives from all over the country.

Nurudeen AKEWUSHOLA

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Nurudeen Akewushola is an investigative reporter and fact-checker with The ICIR. He believes courageous in-depth investigative reporting is the key to social justice, accountability and good governance in society. You can reach him via [email protected] and @NurudeenAkewus1 on Twitter.