By Samuel Ogenyi, Uyo
The Nationwide pretest against Special Anti Robbery Squad ( SARS) has taken a different dimension in Akwa Ibom as protesters defied Monday’s heavy downpour while barricading Ibom plaza, the epi centre of Uyo, the Akwa Ibom state capital.
Our correspondent reports that the protesters who clamoured for restructuring of Nigeria among other demands also were seen chanting war songs with some of the inscriptions showing #endNigeria
The protesters moved from Ikpa road junction leading to the University of Uyo campus and marched to Ibom plaza roundabout popularly known as ” Ibom Connection’ that connects major roads to uyo metropolis.
One of the protesters simply identified as comrade Emmanuel John Samuel vowed to stay on the road for Government to know that the youths were tired of bad governance in Nigeria.
“We are here to tell the whole world that the youths are fade up with way Nigeria state is managed. We need restructuring. We will remain here till our voice are heard by the whole world.
“We need our Senate to sit up and give us a better Government . We can’t afford to remain like this. Our brothers have graduated from school for many years now yet no jobs for them. Therefore we need total transformation in Nigeria.
“Youths are the leaders of tomorrow, but if the Government continue to fold it arms and watch the young ones suffering now , Nigeria will continue to be in danger because youths are not given employment. By this ,we would turn out to be nuisance and give the country a bad name.” Samuel said.
The protesters expressed disappointment for failed promises of politicians in the past including president Muhammedu Buhari who promised them change but never fulfilled after many years in government.
” In the Government of President Muhammedu Buhari , they promised to stop corruption in our country , they have confirmed that their slogan is getting out of hand . The Government now take the “change” and give us corruption.” He said.
Meanwhile, members of the South South Legacy group on Monday staged a peaceful demonstration against the continued protests by Nigerians youths, saying criminal elements have infiltrated the protests for selfish consideration.
The protesters including civil society organisations walked around the major streets of Uyo metropolis chanting solidarity songs, displaying placards of various inscriptions.
Some of the inscriptions read “Good governance is a right and not a privilege” Our strength lies in our youths” “Nigeria is for all of us, let there be peace”
Addressing the protesters at the millennium park, Uyo, the Coordinator of the group, Mr. Bassey Awa,called on the youths to give the President, Major General Mohammadu Buhari (retd), enough time to implement the reforms he has started with the disbandment of SARS.
He said that prolonged protests would cause further damage to the economy which had been weakened by the lockdown occasioned by the global pandemic
