Former Senator Shehu Sani encountered a protest against rising hunger and economic hardship in the heart of Abuja’s Wuse 2 district on Monday. The demonstrators, brandishing placards and chanting slogans, drew attention to the growing frustration over food insecurity and the high cost of living in Nigeria.
Shehu Sani, known for his activism and sharp commentary on social and political issues, was passing through the area when he was recognized by the protesters. In a light-hearted exchange captured in a tweet from his verified Twitter account, Sani recounted the encounter: "I just passed a group of protesters in Wuse 2, carrying placards against ‘hunger in the land’. Some ladies among them recognized me and shouted ‘No be that Afro Senator be that’. I answered ‘yes na me the former former Senator’; then they responded ‘Oya pass’. Make Akpabio no pass there o."
This anecdote highlights the former Senator’s rapport with the public and his recognition as a vocal advocate for the masses. The reference to Senator Godswill Akpabio, the current Senate President, underscores the deep-seated discontent with the current administration’s handling of the economy. Akpabio, a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, has been the subject of criticism due to the perceived inadequacies in addressing the nation's economic woes.
The protest in Wuse 2 is part of a broader wave of demonstrations and public outcry across Nigeria, as citizens grapple with inflation, unemployment, and a lack of basic amenities. The economic challenges have been exacerbated by the lingering effects of the removal of fuel subsidy, global supply chain disruptions, and internal governance issues.