Dates, other details you should know about proposed #EndBadGovernance protest
Image Source: Daily Trust
A nationwide protest, under the banner #EndBadGovernance, is set to take place in Nigeria from August 1 to 10, 2024. This protest has been organised in response to widespread public dissatisfaction with government policies and the economic hardships faced by many Nigerians.
Key Issues Prompting the Protests
The protests are driven by dissatisfaction with the current state of governance in Nigeria. Key issues include persistent economic challenges such as inflation, unemployment, and hunger. Perceived government inefficiency and corruption, and a lack of basic services and infrastructure are also part of the factors. Recent government policies, including the removal of fuel subsidies, increased electricity tariffs, and currency devaluation, have made economic conditions even worse for the average Nigerian.
Many Nigerians feel the government has not done enough to alleviate their suffering, prompting this large-scale mobilisation.
Protesters’ Demand
Protesters are demanding immediate measures to ease economic hardships, including the reinstatement of subsidies on essential goods and services, transparent and accountable governance, policies aimed at reducing unemployment and poverty and improved public services and infrastructure.
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Key Figures Championing the Protest
The protests are being supported by various activist groups and civil society organisations. Prominent figures include leaders of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), who have called for nationwide participation.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has shown support for the protests, and activist Omoyele Sowore has called for a revolution. Influential youth activists and social media influencers have been instrumental in mobilising public sentiment and organising the protests.
However, the organisers of the protest remain anonymous at the moment, as no one has come forward to claim leadership of the demonstration.
Opposition to the Protests
The government, including President Bola Tinubu and various ministers, is calling for more time to address the nation’s challenges, arguing that improvements in the economy are underway, citing reduced national debt and increased revenue generation.
On 20th July, Bayo Onanuga, a spokesperson for President Tinubu, accused supporters of the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, of being behind the planned protest on his X account.
“REVEALED: Peter Obi’s supporters are the people planning mayhem in Nigeria: Obi should be held responsible for anarchy.” he said.
However, the Labour Party and Peter Obi have distanced themselves from the protests, emphasising the need for peaceful demonstrations.
The Nigerian government is actively working to quell the planned protests.
Timeline and Locations
The protests are scheduled to take place across major cities in Nigeria from August 1 to 10. Cities expected to see significant activity include Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Kano. Organisers are encouraging peaceful demonstrations and urging participants to remain non-violent while making their voices heard.
