August 1st is almost here, and Nigeria is on the edge. As anticipation builds, conversations are all about the protest scheduled for tomorrow. The big question on everyone’s mind: will it be peaceful or violent? The Senate, in a last-minute appeal, has begged protesters to give the Federal Government more time to deliver on its reforms and meet their demands.
After a closed-door session that barely lasted two hours on Wednesday, Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced that the government is already addressing several key issues raised by the protesters. These include raising the minimum wage, providing student loans, and selling crude oil refineries. Akpabio assured that the Senate is committed to legislating on matters that will bring relief to Nigerians.
Yet, there’s a cloud of doubt hanging over these promises. While legislators are splurging on cars for their children, the frustrations of the Nigerian youth are boiling over. The Senate’s appeal might seem like a desperate move to some, considering the issue at hand.
So, as we get ready for tomorrow, the big question remains, will the youth heed the Senate’s plea and retreat, or will they come out in full force, demanding immediate action?