The #EndBadGovernance protest officially began on Thursday, August 1. Nigerians across various states took to the streets to voice their frustrations over poor governance and economic hardship under the Tinubu administration.
Despite calls for calm and order, the initially peaceful demonstrations turned violent in states like Kano, Abuja, Gombe, and Niger. Police fired teargas canisters indiscriminately, attempting to prevent protesters from reaching the iconic Eagle Square in Abuja. Most southeastern states did not participate in the protest.
As expected, protesters returned to the streets on Friday to continue the second day of what is expected to be a 10-day demonstration.
Here are the highlights and major updates from today’s #EndBadGovernance protest:
Protesters return for day 2
Protesters returned to the streets in some states, although turnout was lower compared to Thursday, August 1.
In Lagos, protesters gathered at Ikeja Underbridge and moved the procession to Gani Fawehinmi Park in Ojota.
Police set up a roadblock to prevent protesters from marching beyond the designated protest area in Ojota.
Photos and videos on social media showed police officers distributing sachet water to protesters in Ojota.
In Port Harcourt, protesters gathered at Pleasure Park and moved to the Federal Secretariat, while others continued their demonstrations in Abuja.
Protesters hold emergency press conference in Lagos
Protesters held an emergency press conference at Gani Fawehinmi Park, Ojota, Lagos, to address concerns about the possible hijacking of the peaceful demonstration by hoodlums.
Earlier, a clash occurred between pro-government supporters and protesters when the latter attempted to set up public address systems inside the park.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Paul Okafor was present to manage the situation in Lagos. He urged protesters to move inside the park to avoid obstructing traffic.
Economic activities gradually pick up
Businesses resumed in many states where economic activities were disrupted on Day 1 of the protest. People returned to their usual activities in Lagos and Ibadan, although some major markets like Computer Village in Ikeja, Lagos, remained scanty.
Security forces clash with protesters in Abuja
Security forces clashed with #EndBadGovernance protesters in the Gwagwalada area of Abuja on Friday. The demonstrators had barricaded the main Lokoja-Abuja Expressway, blocking vehicular movement in the area.
Police also fired teargas canisters to disperse protesters gathered around the Berger Bridge in Abuja.
Around 1:50p.m, protesters at the MKO Abiola Stadium accused security officials of firing teargas and live ammunition at them. The officers had earlier dispersed protesters who converged at the location but they (protesters) returned to the venue.
Jigawa declares 24-hour curfew
Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, declared a 24-hour curfew after Thursday’s protest turned violent. The curfew was relaxed from 12:00 to 2:30 p.m. on Friday for Jumm’at prayers.
A similar curfew was declared in Kano State on Thursday.
Bad internet continues on day 2
Many Nigerians reported poor internet service Thursday when the protest kicked off. Sadly, the situation remained the same on day 2, affecting MTN and Airtel customers, among others.
Protesters observe Juma’at service
Protesters in Osogbo and Ibadan observed Jumm’at prayers at the protest grounds, with others forming a protective shield around them.
Atiku urges Tinubu to listen to citizens
On Friday, former vice president Atiku Abubakar praised young and old Nigerians who took to the streets to demand better from the government in a Facebook post. The 2023 Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate also called on the president to heed the nation’s cry.
“To the government, I admonish you to heed the voices of the people and come down from your high horses. It is time to demonstrate a sincere commitment to addressing the demands of the protesters. The nation cannot afford further days of unrest; let this be the moment where leadership listens and acts with integrity and urgency.”
This is a developing story.
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