Protests under the banner #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria have erupted across major cities in Nigeria, with demonstrators demanding an end to economic hardship and calling for better governance. The protests, which have spread to Abuja, Lagos, Delta, Rivers, and Kano, have seen citizens take to the streets to voice their frustrations with the current administration.
In Abuja, protesters gathered at Eagles Square, where they shouted down the Minister of State for Youths Development, Ayodele Olawande, who attempted to address the crowd. The protesters chanted “hunger dey,” drowning out the minister’s words. Damilare Adenola, Director of Mobilisation for the Take It Back Movement, stated that the protests would continue unless President Bola Tinubu accedes to their demands.
The Gani Fawehinmi Park in Ojota, Lagos, saw protesters arrive around 11 am, chanting “All we are saying! End Bad Governance!” Security operatives, including officers from the Counterterrorism Unit of the Nigeria Police Force, closely followed the demonstrators.
In Delta State, protesters gathered at the Interbua Roundabout in Asaba amid a heavy security presence. Starting with just two young men at 9:30 am, the group grew to 15 by 10:20 am. Protesters alleged that the state governor had attempted to thwart the demonstration by giving money to some youth groups.
Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, witnessed hundreds of youths marching through Aba Road towards the Government House. Their placards bore messages such as “We say no to bad governance in Nigeria,” “There is hunger in the land,” and “Tinubu must go.”
The situation escalated in Kano, where police fired tear gas to disperse several hundred protesters rallying outside the governor’s office. The demonstrators had attempted to light bonfires before being driven back by the police response.
These protests come in the wake of mounting economic challenges facing Nigeria, with citizens expressing their frustration over the rising cost of living and perceived governmental failures. The demonstrators have made it clear that they will not be easily deterred, with many vowing to remain on the streets until their demands are met.
The widespread nature of these protests, spanning multiple cities and drawing significant crowds, underscores the depth of dissatisfaction among Nigerian citizens. As the demonstrations continue, all eyes are on President Tinubu and his administration to see how they will respond to the growing calls for change and improved governance across the nation.
