Protesters take to the streets in Lagos, Abuja, Benin, Ibadan & London

Despite initial threats by the Police, many Nigerians protested the harsh economic conditions in the country, yesterday, with marches in  Abuja, Lagos, Ibadan, Benin, Ijebu-Ode, Osogbo, Port Harcourt, Uyo and London, saying Enough is Enough.

In Abuja, an alternate protest occured supporting the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government and its achievements.

Operating under the aegis of #IstandwithNigeria Coalition, the Abuja anti-Federal Government protesters accused Buhari of protecting corrupt people in his government while demanding the removal of the Secretary to Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, for alleged graft.

Responding to the protests, Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo, told the protesting Nigerians that their message has been well received by the Federal Government.

Acknowledging that the protests fall within the purview of their fundamental human rights to demand a better economy, Osinbajo said that the government is also disturbed that many Nigerians are groaning and suffering from the pangs of hunger and poverty.

Admitting that the economy is in deep crisis, Osinbajo however said that the government is determined to better the lot of the citizenry. He said: “I am pleased to welcome you, our partners in the private sector to this very important consultations on the ERGP. We are in a serious economic situation and the President was particularly concerned about the lot of the common man. And I quote him, “recession today means many things for many… for some it  means not being able to pay school fees, for others not being able to afford high cost of rice and millet and for most of our young people recession means joblessness…”

“I for one have been across the states and even today, some people are out on the streets protesting. Many of our people are saying the same thing, that things are hard, things are difficult. But what I will like to say to every Nigerian is that ‘we hear you loud and clear’. “The government is one that is determined to give the ordinary man a fair deal. We are determined to recover the economy. You have a right to live well and decently, demand for a better economy and we are committed to making that happen.”