Resumption Of Protests Against Bad Governance Scheduled For Monday In Lagos

Following President Bola Tinubu’s call for the suspension of the ongoing #EndBadGovernanceIn Nigeria protest, the organisers of the demonstration in Lagos State have decided to gather at Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ojota on Monday to continue their protest. This announcement was made in a statement issued on Sunday by Hassan Taiwo, Ayoyinka Oni, and Adegboyega Adeniji on behalf of the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria Organising Committee at Gani Fawehinmi Park, Ojota, Lagos State.

The organisers expressed disappointment that President Tinubu took three days of protests before addressing the nation. In his nationwide broadcast on Sunday morning, Tinubu acknowledged the concerns of the protesters and stated that his administration was ready to listen to and address them. He also urged the protesters and organisers to suspend further protests and create room for dialogue, emphasizing his willingness to engage in dialogue at any opportunity.

The organisers viewed Tinubu’s address as an important victory for their movement, stating that it demonstrated that a President is not above the rest of the country. However, they expressed concern that while Tinubu offered an olive branch, he also ordered the suspension of the protest. They criticized this contradictory approach, stating that the President cannot offer reconciliation while simultaneously threatening them.

The statement also condemned the violent attack on protesters during Sunday morning worship, where thugs injured many participants. In response, the organisers called on all Nigerian youth and the general public to join them at Gani Fawehinmi Park, Ojota, Lagos tomorrow (Monday), August 5, 2024, for Day 5 of the protest. Despite the peaceful nature of the Lagos protest, a video captured by Channels TV showed hoodlums chasing protesters with sticks at Ojota shortly after the President’s address.

Another video circulated over the weekend showing a protester being physically assaulted by a hoodlum while addressing a journalist during a live interview at the protest grounds.

The organisers urged the Nigeria Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress, media, and Nigerian Bar Association not to remain passive spectators, but to take action against attempts to suppress their demands instead of addressing them. They emphasized that the #EndBadGovernance protest stems from the suffering and frustration of ordinary Nigerian youth and people.

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