There are indications that people from the northern regions of Nigeria are prepared to voice their discontent with the overwhelming economic difficulties affecting the average citizen through a large-scale protest, despite the Islamic religious standpoint against such public activities.
An X user, @RayTide, shared his experience at Dangoro Jummah Mosque, Kano, where some worshippers expressed readiness to hold a demonstration despite their Imam’s teaching against demonstrations in the country.
RayTide, who noted his neutrality, called on the government to rise to the hardships in the country.
“I have never seen anything like what I witnessed today during Friday prayers. The Imam delivered a sermon emphasizing that protest is forbidden. However, immediately after he finished and we were about to start the prayer, the people around me began to murmur, “We must protest,” and to my surprise, most responded affirmatively.
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“After the prayer, a man stood up in a somewhat mocking manner, announcing a protest on August 1st. The people responded enthusiastically, saying, “Yes, yes, we will be a part of it.”
“This occurred at the Dangoro Jummah Mosque. I was taken aback because those advocating for the protest did not fit the stereotype of drug abusers; they appeared responsible by the village’s standards.
“I am neither in support of nor against them. I understand the impact of protests and how they have turned countries like Libya and Sudan from bad to worse, which is a common argument against protests. My concern is that the government should recognize that things are spiraling out of control and take urgent measures to alleviate the hardship Nigerians are currently facing. Nigerians are known for their resilience, but the growing clamor for protest indicates that the hardship has become intolerable.
“Never before have I seen Nigerians turn against their scholars like they are now. This shift was evident today and has been apparent on social media platforms this week. It is truly disheartening. Regardless of the situation, it is not right to insult and challenge scholars directly. Some even accuse them of being bribed to discourage protests.
“Islam teaches us that scholars are the inheritors of the prophets, their advice, particularly this that is considerably unanimous, should be taken seriously.
“May Allah ease our burdens and bring relief to our dear nation,” Tilde tweeted.
