Nigeria’s #EndBadGovernance Protests
The streets of Nigeria are once again ablaze with the righteous anger of its citizens. The #EndBadGovernance protests, now in their second day, are a stark reminder of the deep-seated frustrations that have been simmering in Africa’s most populous nation for far too long.
At the heart of these demonstrations lies a simple truth: Nigerians are hungry, both literally and figuratively. They hunger for food, as prices soar beyond reach. They hunger for opportunity, as unemployment continues to plague the nation. Most of all, they hunger for good governance, a concept that seems increasingly alien in a country where political elites appear more concerned with self-enrichment than public service.
The demands of the protesters are clear and resonate with millions across the nation
Restoration of petrol subsidies
Stabilization of the forex regime
Addressing food shortages and unemployment
Reduction in government spending and the size of the presidential cabinet
Electoral and anti-corruption reforms
These are not unreasonable requests. They are the basic expectations of citizens in any functioning democracy. Yet, the response from authorities has been disappointing, to say the least.
The use of tear gas against peaceful protesters in Abuja is a troubling echo of past brutalities. It’s a stark reminder that those in power often view citizens’ rights to assembly and free speech as inconveniences rather than fundamental democratic principles.
Perhaps most telling is the statement by Damilare Adenola, Director of Mobilisation of the Take It Back Movement: “We are waiting for the government to respond to us and address our demands. And until then, the protests continue.” This resolve speaks volumes about the depth of discontent and the determination of Nigerians to see real change.
The disowning of lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa by the protest organizers is particularly noteworthy. Adenola’s statement that Adegboruwa “is not hungry like the people taking over the streets” highlights the gulf between comfortable elites and the struggling masses. It’s a poignant reminder that this movement is truly grassroots, driven by those who feel the pain of Nigeria’s economic crisis most acutely.
However, the protests are not without their challenges. Reports of looting and violence threaten to undermine the legitimacy of these demonstrations. It’s crucial that organizers maintain peaceful tactics to prevent the government from using isolated incidents as an excuse for broader crackdowns.
The imposition of curfews in several states is a concerning development. While maintaining public order is important, these measures risk stifling legitimate protest and could escalate tensions further.
As these protests continue, potentially beyond the planned 10 days, the ball is firmly in the government’s court. Will President Tinubu and his administration listen to the cries of their people? Or will they, like so many before them, turn a deaf ear to the suffering of ordinary Nigerians?
The coming days will be crucial. Nigeria stands at a crossroads. These protests could be the catalyst for meaningful change, or they could be another missed opportunity in a long history of dashed hopes.
One thing is clear: the sponsors of these protests, as Adenola rightly points out, are hunger and economic deprivation. Until these fundamental issues are addressed, no amount of tear gas or curfews will quell the righteous anger of the Nigerian people.
The world is watching. More importantly, Nigerians are watching. The actions of the Tinubu administration in response to these protests will define his presidency and potentially the future trajectory of Nigeria itself. The time for empty promises and half-measures has long passed. Nigeria needs real, substantive change. The question remains: Is the government willing and able to deliver it?
Reference
Organisers Disown Adegboruwa, Say Protests Will Continue Till FG Meets Demands published in Channels