By Pascal Ibe
The calls for nationwide protests from August 1-10 against the rising cost of living and the harsh conditions have continued as Africa’s most populous country faces what has been described as its worst economic headwinds in a generation.
The protest tagged ‘EndBadGovernance’ has gained traction on social media and has been scheduled to hold across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. However, its organisers have remained largely anonymous as no group has come forward to take responsibility.
In a build to this protests, Some Nigerians have shared information which may not true in order to heighten tensions.
In many WhatsApp groups, there’s has been a claim that the Nigerian lawmakers went on a long over fear of the looming protests.
The faceless writer also claimed the governors are planning to handle over of their deputies so as to go on urgent holiday.
The claim stated, 🔥 BREAKING NEWS 🎤
The National Assembly (Senators and Reps) have decided to immediately go on a 7 weeks’ break because of the fear of the forthcoming peaceful protests by Nigerian youths.
It is also alleged that the governors are about handing over to their deputies so that they can go on urgent holiday.
It’s now clear that the politicians are very scared.
This protest must happen on 1st August, 2024.
No Retreat No Surrender 💪
But Is This True?
Recess in Legislative terms, refers to the time or period both or either chamber of the National Assembly decides to take a long adjourn- ment usually to observe public holidays, annual vacation or to perform oversight functions.
On July 23, the senate and house of representatives embarked on their annual recess.
The House,, adjourned plenary and proceeded on a two-month annual recess. The adjournment was sequel to a motion for the lawmakers to proceed on the recess till September 17, moved by the House Leader, Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, and seconded by the minority leader.
However, some committees of the national assembly are scheduled to meet during the break, while both chambers will resume on September 17.
Governors Not Planning To Hand Over To Deputies
On the other claim that Nigeria governors are planning to hand over to their deputies in order to avert the protest on August 1, after a meeting that lasted over two hours in Abuja, Governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Wednesday appealed to youths to refrain from joining the planned nationwide protest.
Briefing journalists at the end of the meeting, Hope Uzodimma, governor of Imo and chairman of the APC Governors Forum, said the federal government is doing everything possible to address the economic hardship in the country.
According to Channels TV, the 36 state governors, in a meeting on Thursday reinstated their commitment to the security of lives and properties in the country.
Also, there’s no credible report that governors are hand over to their deputies at the moment.
Verdict
This claim is FALSE.