As Nigeria braces for the upcoming nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests, organizers have revealed their identities and remain determined to proceed with rallies on August 1. These protests aim to address issues of bad governance, hardship, and hunger affecting the country.
The organizing groups, totaling at least 26, include Concerned Nigerians, Nigerians Against Hunger, Initiative for Change, Take it Back Movement, Revolution Now, and others. They have written to over 20 state governments, seeking permission to use state infrastructure for their demonstrations.
Omoyele Sowore, the Convener of the Revolution Now Movement and a former presidential candidate, released a list of protest locations across 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory. He emphasized the goal of drawing attention to Nigeria’s governance issues, urging participants to add their towns if not already listed. Designated protest locations include Ikorodu, Lagos Island, Lekki/Ajah axis, Badagry, Ikeja, Epe in Lagos State, and many others across the country.
Sowore stated, “This protest has many Nigerians working simultaneously to achieve the same goal of ending poor governance. We are happy that many more Nigerians have come to the same conclusion we reached five years ago: that a revolution is inevitable.”
Damilare Adenola, Director of Mobilization for the Take it Back Movement in the Federal Capital Territory, reiterated that the protests are backed by several groups. “This is not about one group or another. It is about angry and hungry Nigerians who are tired of this system. Protest is our right. Nobody can take it away from us,” he said. Adenola added that they had requested the use of Eagle Square in Abuja for the protest from August 1 to 10, demanding facilities like 24-hour power supply, toilets, water, and security for demonstrators.
Tunde Thomas of Nigerians Against Hunger highlighted the severe food insecurity in the country. “Our demands are simple – End hunger. We cannot be the most populous Black nation in the world and be hungry,” he said.
Mr. Ocean Panem, Secretary-General of the Initiative for Change, emphasized that the protests are meant to “echo the voices of all Nigerians” and are not riots. He explained, “The country is in a mess. We need to recognize that. Members of our group are mostly in the Middle Belt and in Cross River. We would come out en masse and make sure we don’t stop till our demands are met.”
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The protests have also gained support from student groups. A student leader, who chose to remain anonymous, said members of her group, primarily law and history students, would participate in the August 1 protests.
Jabir Yaro, National Chairman of the Northern Comrades Movement of Nigeria, declared that no one could stop the protests. “Nothing will stop this protest. Nobody in this world can stop this protest. It will happen and everybody should come out en masse to protest. No level of intimidation will stop us,” he said. Yaro dismissed the withdrawal of another northern group from the protests, attributing it to political manipulation.
However, the Take it Back Movement accused the Department of State Services (DSS) of freezing its United Bank of Africa account to hinder their activities. In a statement on X, the group threatened legal action if their account was not unfrozen within 24 hours.
Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, urged protest organizers to submit their details to state commissioners of police to ensure the protests remain peaceful. He emphasized the need for clear routes, assembly points, and measures to prevent criminal elements from hijacking the protests.
Despite these assurances, tension remains high in major cities. President Bola Tinubu and other stakeholders have expressed concerns about the protests, citing potential disruptions similar to the 2020 #EndSARS protests. The DSS warned that criminal elements might hijack the protests, while the Defence Headquarters suggested the potential for anarchy.
Sowore assured that the protests would be peaceful and emphasized their significance in pushing for real change. “The ruling APC understands that Nigerians have figured out that they are a fraudulent party that came to power by deceit and has remained in power through roguery. They are aware that Nigerians are tired of the party, its leaders, and its policies,” he said.
Deji Adeyanju, Convener of Concerned Nigerians, warned the government and security agents against attacking protesters, stressing that the protests are driven by issues like hunger and corruption.
Several state police commands, including those in Lagos, Ogun, Bayelsa, Delta, Oyo, Osun, and Kwara, have announced measures to maintain order during the protests. The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has deployed 4,200 officers and explosive ordnance device experts to strategic locations.
The Defence Headquarters stated it would monitor the situation and intervene if necessary. Meanwhile, the Christian Association of Nigeria and the Sultan of Sokoto urged protesters to consider dialogue and other non-violent means of expressing their grievances.
Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong offered free legal representation to protesters arrested in Lagos State, underscoring the legal support for the demonstrations.
Despite government warnings and heightened security measures, organizers remain resolute, aiming to make a significant impact with the #EndBadGovernance protests.