The Nigerian Patriotic Front Movement (NPFM), Northern Chapter, has vowed to continue its #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest in Kano State. This decision comes despite a nationwide curfew and the President’s recent address, which the group deemed inadequate.
Comrade Anas Adamu, the Secretary of NPFM, Northern Chapter, confirmed this in a telephone interview with Arewa PUNCH on Sunday. He stated that the protest would resume as soon as the curfew is lifted due to the government’s failure to meet their demands.
“We are all aware that Nigeria is facing a major governance and economic crisis, which the government of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has, in 15 months, exacerbated,” Adamu said. He criticized President Tinubu’s recent address, calling it “an empty speech” that did not meet their expectations. “We are totally not satisfied with all what the President said in his address to the nation,” he added.
Adamu emphasized that their protest is driven by unmet demands, including the reduction of petrol prices to pre-Tinubu rates. “One of our minimum demands is that the government reduces the pump price of petrol to its pre-Tinubu rates (N160 to N200). Not even what is left of the middle class can afford the current crippling rates of between N720 to N1000+,” he said.
The protests initially started in response to widespread dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of economic issues. The group suspended their demonstrations due to a curfew imposed by the state government but plans to resume as soon as it is lifted. “We are law-abiding citizens, so the state government imposed a curfew on the state that was why we suspended the protest,” Adamu explained.
The NPFM is one of the key organizations behind the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests, which have gained momentum across various states. The protests reflect deep-seated frustrations with the current administration’s policies and handling of economic challenges. As the curfew continues, the group’s determination to push for change remains strong, setting the stage for potential future demonstrations once restrictions are eased.