- Protesters in Benin City staged a protest on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, to campaign against bad government and injustice
- Some moments later, supporters of Governor Obaseki and ALGON protested for the release of an arrested colleague
- TheRadar compiled some reactions from netizens online
Nigerians have been protesting lately in different cities in the country. Recall the recent #EndBadGovernance protest that spread across the country. This week, Benin City staged another protest to campaign against bad government and injustice by tagging it “BeninNationProtest”.
The protest went viral online as the indigenous of Benin City raised their voices in unison to demand their rights.
Why was the protest staged against the Edo government?
Some group of protesters under the name “Benin Nation” took over the centre of the city popularly called Ring Road on Tuesday, September 10, stating that Governor Godwin Obaseki disrespected the Benin monarch and the monarchy and should tender an apology to Oba Ewuare II.
In the statement made by Osaro Culture Iyamu, he said “The protest is as a result of the expiration we gave to Governor Obaseki to reverse all actions he has taken against the people and the Benin monarch, which has expired, and he has not reversed them. We are also against his shutting down our schools when our children ought to be back to school on Monday. Other governors are finding solutions to the challenges occasioned by the increase in fuel, he is telling.”
ALGON’s protest for the release of their colleague
Some moments after the protest against Governor Obaseki, thousands of supporters of Governor Godwin Obaseki and the 18 local government area chairman under the leadership of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) protested the arrest of the chairman of Esan West local government area, Honourable Collins Aigbogun over allegation that he orchestrated violence in his area that led to injuries when the All Progressives Congress (APC) went there to campaign.
Hon Newman Ugiagbe, the Chairman of ALGON, and the other 16 local government chairmen called for the release of their colleague who was arrested, which is a violation of democratic principles and the rule of law.. he alleged that the arrest demoralised them and their supporters ahead of the September 21 governorship election.
In his words, “ALGON urgently calls upon the relevant security agencies, including the Attorney General, Commissioner of Police Edo State, AIG Zone 5, and all concerned security authorities, to take immediate action in investigating and bringing the perpetrators of this heinous act to justice.
“It is disheartening to note that instead of engaging in a peaceful campaign, the All Progressives Congress (APC) appears to be resorting to violence and intimidation tactics, including unwarranted attacks on PDP members. Such unprovoked assaults must be addressed swiftly to prevent further harm and ensure a free and fair electoral process.
“ALGON stands firm in its commitment to promoting peace, democracy, and the rule of law in Edo State. We call on all stakeholders, political parties, and security agencies to work together to safeguard the rights and safety of all citizens during this crucial period.
“Violence has no place in our democratic society, and we must all strive to uphold the principles of justice and equality for the benefit of all, and we demand the immediate release of Hon. Collins Aigbogun, Chairman Esan West Local Government Council who is the complainant but suddenly being victimised by the police from the Force Headquarters in Abuja.”
Police react to arrest of ALGON’S colleague
However, Nemi Iwo, the Commissioner of Police, reported that there were issues against the supposed ALGON colleague, and he has been taken to Abuja for a comprehensive investigation; he would be released if he is found free.
In his words, “He was invited, and he reported himself to the police at the divisional headquarters and from there, he was brought to the State CID where we discovered that he had other criminal charges against him.
“It happened that he brutalized somebody in the course of an altercation between himself and opposing party members and as a result of that he was officially invited to come down here, the PDP was able to reach him and he brought him to Benin where the course of investigation, we discovered that he was even earlier before then had other criminal allegations against so people from FCID said the man was earlier being looked for and so there is need for them to take him along so that they can comprehensively investigate the matter, that was how he was moved to Abuja. The whole thing is being investigated, and I believe that at the end of the day if there is nothing against him, he will come back; it is as simple as that.”
Netizens react to Benin Nation protest
TheRadar compiled some reactions from netizens online.
“The time for silence is over! We're standing up, speaking out, and demanding attention. Our voices matter, and we won't be ignored. #BeninNationProtest.”
@SocialMediaVV:
“Protest no fit solve Nigeria's problem, ask yourself who are you protesting to?🤔 People should better start organizing vigilantism among themselves to take back their lands from violent invaders. With local and foreign collaborations, native people can defeat the terrorist govt.”
@NnamdiNoah:
“Everybody don tire.”
@abobiPH:
“Wahala be like bicycle for naija matter every tribe want a nation APC una do these one 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣”
@southsidegod_:
“I am Benin-born and I’ve lived most of my life in the great city of Benin. Up till today, I have never seen a state as myopic and easily manipulated like y'all. Read the lines and follow the facts. There's more at play here. Do not let this rubbish charade blind you from the truth.”
@CuteKunma:
“Together, let’s defend the rights of the Benin people with great pride and insurmountable strength. #BeninNationProtest.”
@tinyanotuomagie:
“It's time to protect our heritage, culture, and people. #BeninNationProtest.”
@timiPR:
“The Benin Kingdom deserves justice; we demand it.#BeninNationProtest.”
#EndBadGovernance: Nigeria’s nationwide protests came with significant economic losses
Meanwhile, TheRadar previously reported the economic losses recorded during the #EndBadGovernance protests that rocked Nigeria in the first days of August.
Businesses, including malls, banks, shops and petrol stations, were shut across cities in the country for fear of violence and destruction, disrupting businesses and the supply chain. Also, some state governments declared curfews as a result of violent attacks in some states.
