Eight people came out to attend the much-touted protest against economic hardship and bad governance in Ilorin, Kwara State.
The coordinator of ‘Take it Back Movement’, Bukhari Olanrewaju Ahmed, with seven other people gathered at the Metropolitan Square Asa Dam at around 8:30 am amid fierce-looking security personnel.
They carried placards with various inscriptions including: “Hunger has united us; we are tired of lies and unfulfilled promises; we are tired of approvals without implementations; let’s do the right thing for once; and say no to bad governance.”
Apparently disturbed by the poor compliance, Bukhari said: “We are not yet hungry, we all will troop out when we are hungry,” alleging that Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) that ought to join the struggle have all been bought, including student groups.
Bukhari, a thriving businessman, who said he was touched by the poor socioeconomic situation and its biting effect on the masses across the country, told newsmen that: “I am here as an ordinary citizen feeling the effect of bad administration.”
On the identity of their sponsors, Buhari asked, “Do we look sponsored?” Adding: “We are sponsored by hunger.”
He, however, said the group was not discouraged by the unsuccessful outing because: “The people refused to come out because of hunger and intimidation. We received information yesterday (Thursday) that thugs were to attack us.”
