On Thursday, August 1, thousands of Nigerians took to the streets nationwide to kick off the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest. Young Nigerians joined the demonstration, frustrated over continued economic hardship under the Tinubu administration.
Days ahead of the planned protest, government officials and security forces across the country warned against the demonstration, with some tagging it as unwarranted and politically motivated. However, despite the warnings, Nigerians stepped out to demand better.
Here’s a recap of key moments from the first day of the protest.
Heavy security presence
Armed police officers were deployed to the Lekki Toll Gate and other major locations in Abuja, Delta, Plateau, Rivers, and Kaduna before demonstrations started.
Nigerians troop out nationwide
Protesters in Lagos gathered under the Ikeja bridge, marching to Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ojota.
In Abuja, led by popular lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju, they marched from MKO Abiola Stadium to Eagle Square.
Nigerians in Rivers state equally took to the streets for the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest. A viral clip captured when demonstrators sang the country’s old national anthem.
In Oyo state, dozens of young Nigerians under the umbrella of Oyo State Coalition Against Hardship joined the protests against hardship.
Protests also occurred in Kaduna, Bauchi, Jos, and Kano, among others.
Pro-government protesters
Pro-government demonstrators also came out in Lagos, Adamawa and Abuja, claiming their demonstration was against violent protests.
Meanwhile, a viral video on social media captured the moment a pro-government protester was booted off the camera after he complained about hunger.
Slowed economic activities
Business activities halted nationwide, with some states’ major markets, banks, and roads deserted.
Government officials address protesters
In Rivers, Governor Simi Fubara urged peaceful protests, while Edo’s Commissioner of Police, Funsho Adegboye, praised the peaceful nature and invited protest demands.
Bayelsa state governor Douye Diri thanked youths for abstaining from protests during a prosperity walk.
Police disperse protesters nationwide
Police fired teargas canisters at protesters as they arrived at the Federal Secretariat near the Eagles Square in Abuja.
This was also the case in Bauchi, where teargas canisters were fired at demonstrators who gathered at the Emir’s palace and demanded a meeting with him.
#EndBadGovernance protesters who converged at the Lekki Toll Gate area in Lagos state were equally dispersed with teargas.
Slowed internet connection
Dozens of Nigerians took to social media lamenting poor internet connection from service providers. Some people speculated it’s a joint effort by the government and telcos to limit protest coverage.
Looting by alleged #EndBadGovernance protesters
There were multiple reports of looting by alleged #Endbadgovernance protesters at the yet-to-be-commissioned NCC Industrial Park in Kano. Individuals were seen leaving the premises with brand-new furniture and office equipment.
Government properties in Kaduna state were looted, and alleged #EndBadGovernance protesters attacked a police officer during the incident.
Kano governor declares curfew
Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, declared a 24-hour curfew following violence during the #EndBadGovernance protest. The governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Tofa, announced the decision in a statement on Thursday.
Celebs lend their voices
Singer Tems shared on X that she’s postponed the release of the music video for Burning, a single off her album.
“The point of the protest is, as usual, a call for attention to the state of the welfare of the people… homes are going through aggression influenced by the struggles of the society,” rapper Vector tweeted in a solidarity post.
In a post on X, Burna Boy noted that he doesn’t want to be affiliated with the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest.
This is a developing story.
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