The #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest, which is set to hold from August 1-10, 2024, has left government officials are on edge and police on high alert.
This great protest, which is believed to be the lasting solution to the crisis the current government has plunged the country into is organised by Nigerian youths.
The nationwide protests seeks to highlight the severe hardship citizens are facing.
The protest, gaining momentum particularly in the North, aims to highlight the citizens’ plight to the government.
You see, one cannot entirely blame the citizens for wanting this protest.
Indeed, the suffering Nigerians have experienced since President Bola Tinubu’s administration abolished fuel subsidies in May 2023, has been second to none.
This has led to calls for policy reversals.
The President Bola Tinubu regime has been marred by many protest.
This stands as a testament to the hardship Nigerians are facing.
Just on February 9, 2024, angry youths and women protested in Minna, the Niger State capital, and Kano against soaring prices of essential commodities.
Civil society groups, including the Take It Back Movement and the Education Rights Campaign, similarly protested on June 12 against rising living costs and insecurity.
Their placards bore messages like “President Tinubu, let the poor breathe,” and “End Insecurity.”
Well, this seems to be just the beginning.
#EndBadGovernanceInNigeria Protest
The planned protest will span across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
While some organizers, particularly from the northern region, remain anonymous, African Action Congress (AAC) 2023 presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has been actively campaigning for the August protest on social media.
Sowore, known for leading multiple protests, declared that a revolution is imminent.
To him: ‘Nothing Can Stop An Idea Whose Time Has Come’ #RevolutionNOW.
Sowore’s social media posts include: “The REVOLUTION is now knocking on our doors! #RevolutionNow.
Let everyone rise all once in August 2024! … Nothing can stop an idea whose time has come.
They asked for a revolution, and it is here now!
@officialABAT once asked for a revolution, even @MBuhari once asked for a revolution and Nigerians now want a real revolution.”
A circulating flyer titled “End Bad Government in Nigeria 2024” lists the demands of the people.
It includes ending the subsidy scam, reducing fuel prices below ₦300 per liter, lowering tertiary education fees, and cutting Senators’ and House of Representatives members’ salaries and allowances.
Police Response to Protest
The #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest has gotten the attention of the Nigeria Police Force.
As we speak, the force is reportedly taking steps to prevent the planned protest.
An internal memo dated July 8, indicates police directives to mobilize and prepare personnel, coordinate with other agencies and the military, and disperse unlawful gatherings.
“INGENPOL directs you to be proactive.
Mobilise well kitted and equipped personnel, synergise with other sister agencies and the military, takeover all strategic points in your AOR.
Deploy undercover for intelligent gathering, disperse unlawful gatherings, be in heart-to-heart conversation with community stakeholders.
No form of protest must be allowed during the period,” it said.
The leaked memo, shared by social commentator @PIDOMNIGERIA on his verified X handle, warns against any form of protest during the specified period.
Furthermore, the Kaduna State Command of the Police Force has announced a ban on all unlawful protests in the state.
The State Police Command made this known in a statement on Sunday by its spokesperson, ASP Mansir Hassan.
Government Officials On The Edge
The planned protest has instilled fear among government officials, especially lawmakers.
They are worried about potential attacks.
What happened is Kenya is still fresh in their minds, and fear has become a reality for them.
Also Read: #RevolutionNow: Anxiety Trails #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria Protest
On Tuesday, the Nigerian Senate engaged in a heated debate over the issue.
Senator Sunday Karimi of Kogi West and Senator Ali Ndume Mohammed of Borno South led a motion titled “Urgent Need to address Food Insecurity and Market Exploitation of Consumables in Nigeria.”
Former Senate President Ahmed Lawan warned of possible citizen backlash if immediate actions aren’t taken to alleviate the hardship caused by increased fuel and electricity prices.
“If we don’t take immediate action, we will lose the power and our citizens under the situation of increased fuel price, increased electricity price, increased everything,” he said.
