Niger Govt
EKO HOT BLOG reports that in a significant development, the Niger State government has ordered the immediate release of Aisha Jibrin, a prominent leader in the recent Minna protest, along with 24 other participants.
The directive was announced by Binta Mamman, the Niger State Commissioner for Information and Strategies, during a press conference held in the state capital on Friday.
The arrests followed a peaceful demonstration that swept through Minna on Monday, where residents voiced their frustrations over the rising cost of living.
The protest drew a significant crowd, including women and youths, who took to major roads, disrupting traffic while chanting songs of dissent. Notably, the demonstration unfolded under the observation of security personnel, including police officers, who made no immediate attempt to disperse the crowd.
Among those detained were three women, including 57-year-old Fatima Aliyu, who, along with 22 others, faced arrest due to their involvement in the protest. The decision to detain the protesters triggered widespread criticism and discontent among the populace, with many expressing their disapproval of the government’s handling of the situation.
Commissioner Mamman, in her address, explained the government’s decision to release the detained individuals. She highlighted that the decision followed a “thorough review of the circumstances” surrounding their arrests. The Commissioner acknowledged the peaceful nature of the protest and the legitimate grievances of the residents regarding the high cost of living.
Furthermore, Mamman expressed the government’s awareness of the hardships faced by its citizens but emphasized the importance of maintaining peace in the state capital. She urged the public to seek constructive and peaceful avenues to express their grievances, assuring that the government is committed to addressing the underlying issues contributing to the economic strain experienced by residents.
The release of Aisha Jibrin and her fellow protesters has been warmly received by the community and human rights organizations, who see it as a positive step towards respecting the right to peaceful assembly and expression.
The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the urgent need for economic reforms and the importance of dialogue between the government and its citizens in addressing the nation’s challenges.
As Minna returns to calm, the focus of Niger State and beyond remains on the government’s next steps to alleviate economic burdens on its people, with hopes that this episode marks the beginning of a more inclusive and responsive governance approach.
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