[ICYMI] #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria: Organizers Announce Protests to Resume in Lagos on Monday

The organizers of the ‘End Hunger’ protest in Lagos announced they will gather at Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ojota, on Monday to continue their demonstration. This decision was detailed in a Sunday statement signed by Hassan Taiwo, Ayoyinka Oni, and Adegboyega Adeniji on behalf of the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria Organising Committee.

The organizers expressed disappointment that it took President Bola Tinubu three days of protest to address the nation, despite his assurances in a Sunday broadcast that his administration is ready to listen to and address the concerns of protesters. Tinubu urged the protesters and organizers to suspend further demonstrations and open a dialogue, which he claimed to have always supported.

The organizers consider Tinubu’s address an “important victory” for their movement, attributing the acknowledgment to their courage and resolve. However, they expressed concern that the President simultaneously called for the suspension of protests, stating that he cannot offer an olive branch while holding a dagger. They condemned the attack on protesters by thugs during Sunday morning worship, which resulted in injuries.

They called on Nigerian youth and the general public to join them at Gani Fawehinmi Park, Ojota, Lagos, on Monday, August 5, 2024, for Day 5 of the protest. Despite the generally peaceful nature of the Lagos protest, incidents were reported where hoodlums attacked protesters, including a viral video showing a protester being struck during a live interview.

The organizers also urged the Nigeria Labour Congress, the Trade Union Congress, the media, and the Nigerian Bar Association to stand with them against attempts to force them off the streets without addressing their demands. They emphasized that the #EndBadGovernance protest arose from the suffering and frustration of ordinary Nigerian youth and people.