Nationwide Protests Rock Nigeria On Day 10 As Citizens Demand End To Bad Governance
In an unprecedented display of unity and determination, Nigerians across the country took to the streets on Saturday, August 10, 2024, to demand an end to bad governance and corruption. The nationwide protests, tagged #EndBadGovernance, saw a massive turnout of citizens from all walks of life, with demonstrations taking place in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
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One-Million-Man Rally In Abuja
In Abuja, the nation’s capital, protesters gathered at two venues, Apo district and Lokogoma district, for a one-million-man rally. The protesters, who had initially planned to converge on the MKO Abiola National Stadium and the Eagle Square, were forced to change their plans due to a heavy police and military presence at both venues. Undeterred, they streamed to Apo and Lokogoma, where they displayed placards and chanted slogans against bad governance.
Protesters Present Charter Of Demands
In Plateau State, a coalition of youths presented a charter of demands to Governor Caleb Mutfwang, calling for an end to corruption, reduction in tuition fees, decrease in the cost of governance, and reversal of the fuel subsidy removal, among other demands. The governor acknowledged the frustration of the people and expressed his commitment to making Plateau and Nigeria a better place.
Kaduna State Government Bans Unauthorised Protests
In Kaduna State, the government has resolved to only permit protests authorized by security agents, citing security concerns. The decision follows a review of the present security situation and the experiences of August 1 and 5, 2024, when criminal elements disguised themselves as protesters to generate unrest.
Peaceful Protests Commended, Foreign Flags in North
The protests across the country were largely peaceful, with security agencies commended for their civility. The protesters demonstrated that demands can be made without violence, and the people’s voices can be heard without resorting to destructive means.
In many Northern states including Kano, Zamfara, Kaduna, Bauchi and Kaduna, many of the violent demonstrators resorted to carrying and flying foreign nations flags and calling for a regime change, a call that has been roundly condemned by Nigerians, the armed forces of Nigeria and other security agencies, as well as the organizers of the end governance protest themselves.
The streets of Port Harcourt and its environs were devoid of #EndBadGovernance protesters on Saturday, August 10, 2024, as the 10-day protest against economic hardship came to a close. Despite organizers’ promises of a one-million-man march, protesters stayed away for the third consecutive day, fearing hijack by hoodlums.
The Rivers State Police Command made a show of force on Saturday morning, with a significant presence in strategic parts of the state. This followed a commotion on Wednesday when individuals opposed to the protest chased away protesters gathered outside the federal secretariat on Aba Road, Port Harcourt. The police dispersed the groups and arrested three protesters for alleged looting and burning of tires.
The police spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, stated that anyone protesting outside the designated areas of Isaac Boro Park and The Pleasure, both along Aba Road, would be arrested. The police were instructed to apprehend and prosecute individuals engaging in unlawful activities or causing disturbances.
Gogo Wellington, one of the protest organizers, cited fear of violence as the reason for their absence. He advised the Federal Government to address the protesters’ demands to avert further agitation. Wellington criticized the government for ignoring Nigerians’ cries and spending billions on frivolous items while citizens struggled to afford basic necessities. He hoped the government would take immediate action to address the hardship.
Next Steps
The #EndBadGovernance protests have sent a strong message to the governments at all levels in Nigeria that Nigerians will no longer tolerate bad governance and corruption. The response to the protesters’ demands by the Federal and state governments will be crucial in determining the next steps for the movement.
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