The Niger State Government has categorically denied allegations that young people in Suleja, Suleja Local Government Area, organized a protest against Nigeria’s spiraling cost of living problem, in an unexpected turn of events. This denial comes despite video footage of demonstrators going to the streets.
Abuja City Journal reported that early on Monday, July 29, 2024, a group of protesters gathered in Suleja, wielding placards with messages such as ‘Enough is Enough,’ ‘Stop Anti-Masses Policies,’ ‘We Are Not Slaves In Our Country,’ ‘Hardship Is Unbearable,’ and ‘Fuel Subsidy Must Be Back.’ The demonstrators reportedly marched through the council areas, chanting anti-government slogans and voicing their frustration over the rising cost of living.
Our team at Abuja City Journal attempted to engage with some of the protesters near the Abuja-Kaduna highway in Suleja but was met with reluctance. The protesters declined interviews, which left many questions unanswered.
In response to the reports, the Niger State Government issued a press statement through the Special Assistant to Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago on Print Media, Ms. Aisha Wakaso. The statement, released on Monday in Minna, categorically denied the occurrence of any protests. It read:
“The Niger State Government firmly dismisses recent online reports by a media platform claiming that protests have commenced on the Abuja-Kaduna Highways in Niger State. We assure all residents that these reports are unfounded and that no such protests have taken place in the state.”
Furthermore, Ms. Wakaso highlighted that the Chairman of Suleja Local Government, Ishaku Bawa Naibi, has confirmed the non-existence of any protests within his jurisdiction. Security reports from the area support this claim, indicating no disruptions or demonstrations have occurred.
