- By Halimah Olamide
Tension is already building up ahead of the August 1 national protests as both pro-government protesters filed out on Monday to pursue their support for the ruling government.
A horde of protesters, mostly women were seen with placards showing they represent all the states of the federation.
It appeared they have been mobilised from the different parts of the country
At the Square, many security patrol vans were seen stationed inside.
FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, had declared on Sunday that no one has applied to use the venue for any protests.
Wike said just like many other Nigerians, he only read on the social media that organisers have applied for permission to stage their protests at the venue.
But the minister said if truly the organisers have applied it ought to have been on his table.
He said that would enable the authorities to ask relevant questions on the identities of the applicants, their addresses, what they do and the purpose for which they want to use the square.
The pro-government protesters have however jumped ahead of August for a “no-protest” protest.
“Say No to Protests” is one of the inscriptions on the banners displayed by some pro-government protesters in Lagos on Monday.
The Lagos pro-government protesters were seen moving from one street to another praising the state government and the President Bola Tinubu.
Commenting on the pro-government protests holding in Abuja at the Eagles Square, activist, Aisha Yesufu demanded to know why those allegedly mobilised from their respective states did not stay at home to pray against protests.
“You are doing a protest to say No To Protest. Why didn’t they stay at home and pray? Just as selfish and irresponsible Governors have been telling citizens to pray and not protest,” Yesufu wrote on her X handle on Monday.