According to a report by DAILY POST, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has stated that the widespread anger and hunger across the country are the main reasons behind the planned demonstration.

Makinde made this statement at the grand finale of the 2024 Ibadan Cultural Week, organized by the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII).

Speaking to the audience at the event held on Saturday at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium in Ibadan, the state capital, Makinde acknowledged the people’s right to protest but urged the protesters to exercise their rights peacefully and avoid violence or the destruction of public property.

“Nigeria could be in this situation for now. We could be experiencing anger and hunger in the land, and that is why our people want to protest,” Makinde said.

The governor stressed that the planned protest reflects the country’s current state, with many Nigerians struggling with hardship and dissatisfaction.

“Yes, protest is everybody’s right. But remember that we used your money to build all the structures and facilities we have put in place in this state, not mine,” Makinde cautioned.

He advised the protesters to avoid targeting government property during the demonstration, warning that the funds used for their replacement would be diverted from meaningful development projects.

Makinde’s remarks follow the announcement of the nationwide “hunger protest” scheduled for August 1st, 2024.

The protest, organized by various civil society groups and opposition political parties, aims to draw attention to the growing economic hardship and food insecurity faced by many Nigerians.