LAGOS, Nigeria – The #EndBadGovernance protests erupted nationwide on Thursday, August 1, 2024, with thousands of citizens taking to the streets to voice their discontent over economic hardship and perceived government failures.
The demonstrations come nearly a year after President Bola Tinubu took office, amid a backdrop of soaring inflation and widespread frustration.
Plateau State says #EndBadGovernance#EndBadGovernanceInNigeria pic.twitter.com/UqEHRvKJ4C
— Take it back Movement (@TIBmovement) August 1, 2024
Protests Unfold Across Major Cities
From early morning, demonstrators began assembling at key locations across major cities including Abuja, Lagos, Enugu, Kaduna, Kano, and Port Harcourt.
Participants, brandishing placards and chanting slogans, called for comprehensive reforms to address issues such as inflation, insecurity, and unemployment.
In Abuja, protestors gathered at the National Assembly, demanding transparency from lawmakers and immediate action on their grievances.
Similar scenes played out at governor’s offices across the country, where large crowds called for an end to bad governance.
CALABAR: This @PoliceNG beating and abusing @NaijaJonathan, Coordinator @TIBmovement Cross River State under the rain with a team led by the ADC to Governor Bassey Otu, DSP Victor Duke. #EndBadGovernaceInNigeria pic.twitter.com/jVqwJCX3JK
— Omoyele Sowore (@YeleSowore) August 1, 2024
Core Demands of #EndBadGovernance Protesters
The #EndBadGovernance protest organisers, comprising various civil society groups such as Nigerians Against Hunger, Initiative for Change, and the Omoleye Sowore-led Revolution Now, have laid out a list of demands:
- Provision of free education
- Enhanced security measures
- Declaration of a state of emergency on inflation
- Disclosure of lawmakers’ salaries and allowances
- Reopening of national borders
- Alleviation of hunger and economic hardship
Prophet @isaelbuba still leading peaceful protest in Plateau State against hunger in Nigeria #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria pic.twitter.com/oo2RryxRuv
— Peter Obi Grassroots Mobilization. (@PO_GrassRootM) August 1, 2024
Government’s Initial Reactions
In anticipation of the protests, the government has ramped up security across the nation.
The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) has been deployed to key locations to maintain order and prevent any potential violence.
The State Security Service (SSS) has also issued warnings about the protests, claiming to have identified key financiers.
Despite these measures, President Bola Tinubu has urged citizens to refrain from participating in the protests, labelling the organisers as unpatriotic.
“The sponsors of these protests do not love our country. They have no love for the nation and are driven by ulterior motives,” Tinubu said in a statement released on Friday, July 26, 2024.
Escalation of Tensions
Reports of clashes between protesters and security forces have begun to emerge.
In Abuja, tensions flared as police attempted to disperse crowds blocking major roads.
Eyewitnesses reported the use of tear gas and water cannons to control the demonstrators.
Similar confrontations were reported in other cities, with several arrests made.
Voices from the Ground
Participants remain resolute despite the heavy security presence. “We are tired of the suffering,” said Chika Okafor, a protester in Abuja. “We need real change, not just promises. The government must listen to us.”
Civil society groups and human rights organizations have condemned the government’s handling of the protests, urging restraint and respect for citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly.
“The government must address the root causes of these protests rather than trying to suppress them,” said Femi Falana, a prominent human rights lawyer.
Looking Ahead
As the 10-day protest period begins, the nation watches closely.
The outcome of these demonstrations could significantly impact the political landscape and the government’s approach to addressing the pressing issues facing Nigeria.
For now, the streets remain filled with determined voices calling for a better future.
The #EndBadGovernanceinNigeria protests have officially commenced, marking a critical moment in Nigeria’s ongoing struggle for economic and social justice.
With both sides showing no signs of backing down, the coming days will be pivotal in determining the direction of the nation’s governance and its commitment to addressing the grievances of its citizens.
