Shocker! ! 6 Days Into The #EndBadGovernance Protest, SEE HOW Protesters Desert Parts Of Lagos, Kaduna Streets
There are indications that six days into the scheduled 10- day hunger protest taking place across the nation, protesters have refrained from gathering in certain parts of Lagos and Kaduna states. The demonstrations, organized under the hashtag #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria, have attracted a substantial number of Nigerians, especially young people. They are urging President Bola Tinubu’ s administration to address and improve the economic struggles affecting the populace.
The PUNCH NEWSPAPER reports that
according to Channels Television on Tuesday, security agencies were present as business activities resumed in the Ojota area of Lagos State. Media reports indicated that Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park was devoid of protesters. This followed an incident on Sunday when suspected hoodlums dispersed the demonstrators who had gathered at the park. The disruption occurred after a disagreement between two groups of protesters. In Kaduna State, there were no protesters present either. Shops, filling stations, and markets remained closed as of Tuesday.
The Sheikh Abubakar Gumi central market in Kaduna’ s capital was also deserted. The Kaduna State Security Council, chaired by Governor Uba Sani, had implemented a 24- hour curfew on the metropolitan areas of Kaduna and Zaria, along with their surrounding regions. This action was taken after a security review indicated that the ongoing protests had been co- opted by criminal elements involved in looting and the destruction of private and public properties.
The ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests under President Bola Tinubu’ s administration have become a significant movement, reflecting widespread discontent among Nigerians, particularly the youth. The protests, which began as a response to economic hardships and perceived governmental inefficiencies, have grown in scale and intensity. The movement, branded #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria, calls for comprehensive reforms to address issues such as economic instability, high unemployment rates, and poor living conditions.
Protesters are demanding actionable changes from the Tinubu administration, including the reinstatement of fuel subsidies to alleviate the financial burden on citizens, the reduction of excessive government spending, and the reversal of recent increases in electricity tariffs.
Despite the largely peaceful nature of the protests, there have been instances of violence and disruption. In some areas, demonstrations have been met with resistance from security forces, leading to clashes and arrests.
Reports of looting and destruction by criminal elements hijacking the protests have further complicated the situation, prompting state authorities to impose curfews and deploy security personnel to maintain order. In Lagos State, areas like Ojota have seen a heavy presence of security agencies, and business activities have resumed cautiously amid the tension. Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, once a central hub for protesters, has been vacated following altercations involving suspected hoodlums. In Kaduna State, the situation remains tense with deserted markets and a 24- hour curfew imposed by the state government to curb potential violence.
Governor Uba Sani’ s administration cited the security threats posed by the protests as justification for these stringent measures. The nationwide response has included a significant crackdown on protest activities. In states like Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, and Bauchi, the Nigeria Police Force has arrested numerous individuals for actions perceived as threats to national security, such as waving foreign flags.
President Tinubu, in an attempt to quell the unrest, addressed the nation, urging protesters to calm their agitation. He assured that his administration was dedicated to improving the economic conditions and overall quality of life for Nigerians.
However, many protesters remain skeptical, demanding more immediate and concrete actions to address their grievances. As the protests continue, the Nigerian government faces increasing pressure to respond effectively to the demands of its citizens while balancing the need to maintain public order. The #EndBadGovernance movement, much like the #EndSARS protests before it, underscores a growing demand for accountability and reform in Nigeria’ s governance. So much more needs be done to altogether arrest the situation.
