NIGERIA: Tinubu Government Accused of Paying Off Youths to Undermine Protest

BY: CHIOMA MADONNA NDUKWU

The Tinubu administration is accused of hiring the Coalition of Northern Youths Leaders Forum to disrupt the planned #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest on August 1.

Each member of the group was allegedly paid a mere N1500 to withdraw support for the protest, creating the false impression that Northern youths are not backing the movement. Murtala Mohammed, the group’s leader, confirmed the payments at a press conference in Abuja and criticized the protest organizers. While admitting the government’s role in the nation’s economic hardships, Mohammed and other members tried to downplay the protest’s significance.

Evidence suggests attempts to bribe other northern youth leaders to thwart the protest, highlighting serious concerns about the suppression of democratic expression in Nigeria. A Facebook post from one participant revealed the payment details, expressing disillusionment with the current state of the country. The Nigerian Labour Congress has warned President Tinubu against targeting protest leaders, urging the government to address the protesters’ grievances through dialogue instead. This controversy underscores the growing public dissatisfaction and the lengths to which the government may go to stifle dissent.

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Chioma Ndukwu

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