As the planned nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest gains momentum, some organizers previously labeled as ‘faceless’ have come forward and revealed their identities, according to ULTIMATEBLOG.
Despite the challenges ahead, these organizers remain steadfast and are determined to take to the streets on August 1 to protest against issues such as poor governance, economic hardship, and widespread hunger.
The groups involved in this protest, which number at least 26, have announced their intentions to march against the current conditions of economic hardship and mismanagement.
According to Saturday PUNCH, these organizations have also sought permission from at least 20 state governments to use state facilities for their demonstrations. This move indicates the seriousness of their intent and the scale of the planned protest.
Among the groups confirmed to participate are Concerned Nigerians, Nigerians Against Hunger, Initiative for Change, Take it Back Movement, Revolution Now, Human Rights Co-Advocacy Group, Nigerians Against Corruption Initiative, Citizens for Change Advocacy Initiative, Timely Intervention, and Active Citizens Group. Additionally, Students for Change, We Coalition, Total Intervention, Refurbished Nigeria, Tomorrow Today, Our Future in Our Own Hands Initiative, Youths Against Tyranny, and Call a Spade a Spade Movement will also be involved.
Several other groups, including an all-female organization, have also expressed their support but chose to remain unnamed. This diverse coalition highlights the widespread discontent across various sectors of society.
Omoyele Sowore, the Convener of the Revolution Now Movement, has provided a detailed list of locations where the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest will take place. This protest is set to cover 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Sowore, who is also a former presidential candidate, emphasized that the protest aims to spotlight the country’s governance issues.
Sowore encouraged Nigerians to add their own cities or towns to the protest list if they were not included. The designated protest locations include several key areas: in Lagos State, protests will be held in Ikorodu, Lagos Island, Lekki/Ajah axis, Badagry, Ikeja, and Epe; in Kano State, the main town will be a focal point; in Bauchi State, both Azare and Bauchi town will be involved; Enugu State will see protests in Enugu city and Nsukka; and Jigawa State will include Dutse and Kazaure. Other locations include Ado-Ekiti and Ikere Ekiti in Ekiti State, Calabar in Cross River State, and Gwagalada and the Central Business District in the Federal Capital Territory.
Damilare Adenola, the Director of Mobilisation for the Take it Back Movement in the FCT, stressed that this protest is not limited to any single group but is a collective outcry from Nigerians who are dissatisfied with the current system. Adenola stated that protest is a fundamental right and that the group has formally requested the use of the National Stadium from Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, for their peaceful demonstration.
In a formal request submitted on Friday, the group asked for the use of Eagle Square for the #EndBadGovernance protest scheduled from August 1 to 10. They have also requested the provision of essential amenities such as 24-hour power supply, toilet facilities, water, and security for the comfort of participants.
The letter, titled ‘Request for use of Eagle Square Abuja for #EndBadGovernance protest,’ outlined their intention to use the location as a central gathering point for Nigerians demanding better governance.
Tunde Thomas, a representative from Nigerians Against Hunger, expressed frustration over the persistent hunger in Nigeria and urged the government to address it. He emphasized that Nigeria, being the most populous Black nation, should not be suffering from such widespread hunger.
Mr. Ocean Panem, the Secretary-General of the Initiative for Change, clarified that the August 1 protest is not intended to be a riot but a way to amplify the voices of Nigerians. He emphasized the gravity of the country’s situation and highlighted that their members from the Middle Belt and Cross River will participate en masse to ensure their demands are heard.
A leader from a student group, who chose to remain anonymous to avoid repercussions, mentioned that their members, predominantly law and history students, will join the streets on August 1 to voice their concerns.
Jabir Yaro, National Chairman of the Northern Comrades Movement of Nigeria, assured that nothing would stop the protest. He criticized the withdrawal of support from another northern group, attributing it to paid propaganda. Yaro emphasized that their movement is genuine and that they are prepared to mobilize millions of people for the protest.
The Take it Back Movement also accused the Department of State Services (DSS) of freezing their United Bank of Africa account to disrupt their funding. The group threatened legal action if the account was not unfrozen within 24 hours.
In response to the nationwide protest, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun urged all participating groups to submit their details to the commissioners of police in their states. He emphasized that this is to ensure the protest remains peaceful and orderly. Egbetokun stressed the need for clear information on protest routes, assembly points, and leadership details to prevent the protest from being hijacked by criminal elements.
Despite the warnings and preparations by various state and federal authorities, there is a palpable tension in major cities across Nigeria. The upcoming protest, branded #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria, has become a central topic of political and security discussion.
President Bola Tinubu, in a meeting with APC governors and prominent traditional rulers, urged the protest organizers to postpone their demonstration. Concerns have been raised about the potential impact of the protest, drawing parallels with the ongoing national protest in Kenya and the 2020 #EndSARS protest in Nigeria.
The Department of State Services has warned that the protest could be politically motivated and may be hijacked by criminal elements. Similarly, the Defence Headquarters has expressed concerns that the protest could lead to chaos and violence.
The police have ramped up their presence in Lagos, Abuja, Akwa Ibom, and other areas in preparation for the protest, aiming to prevent any breakdown of law and order. Despite these measures, protest organizers remain resolute.
Omoyele Sowore, speaking with Saturday PUNCH, assured that the protest would achieve its goals and last longer than previous demonstrations. He argued that the ruling APC is aware of the widespread discontent and that this protest aims to challenge the current administration’s legitimacy and policies.
Deji Adeyanju, a sociopolitical activist and Convener of Concerned Nigerians, warned against any attempts to disrupt the protest. He emphasized that the protest would remain peaceful if the government did not interfere. Adeyanju attributed the protest to issues such as hunger, corruption, and budget padding.
The Lagos State chapter of the Active Citizens Group Nigeria has informed the state Commissioner of Police of its plans to participate in the protest. They have outlined two protest routes: the mainland route starting at NAHCO Bus Stop and ending at the International Airport, Ikeja, and the Island route starting at Marwa Bus Stop, Lekki Phase 1, and ending at Eti-Osa Local Government.
In anticipation of the protest, the Federal Capital Territory Police Command has deployed 4,200 officers and explosive ordnance experts to ensure public safety and prevent hijacking by non-state actors. The police will also conduct raids on identified hotspots and perform stop-and-search operations in collaboration with other security agencies.
The Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, emphasized that the command would not tolerate any destruction of property or breaches of peace under the guise of the protest. He noted ongoing engagements with various stakeholders to ensure peace during the protest.
The Bayelsa State Police Command has outlined its preparedness for the protest, including the use of drones and other measures. The Delta State Police Command also expressed readiness to manage the protest, while the Oyo State Commissioner of Police assured protesters of maximum security if the protest remains peaceful.
The Kwara State Police Command and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps have also heightened their alert levels, implementing measures to prevent any disruptions similar to the #EndSARS protests.
The Defence Headquarters stated it would only intervene if the police were overwhelmed. The military is currently monitoring the situation and is prepared to act if necessary.
In response to the impending protest, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged Nigerians to consider alternative methods for expressing their grievances, such as dialogue and petitions, to avoid potential violence and disorder.
High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo) has also appealed to the protest organizers to reconsider their plans, citing ongoing government efforts to address the country’s challenges.
Senior lawyers, including Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, and Awa Kalu, SAN, have highlighted the constitutional right to peaceful protest while cautioning against potential violence. They stressed the importance of ensuring that protests remain peaceful and lawful.
In contrast, the Kebbi State Government has urged citizens to avoid the protest in the interest of peace and stability, citing ongoing developmental projects in the state.
Amidst the various responses, the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group Afenifere and the Jama’atu Nasril Islam, led by the Sultan of Sokoto, have called for caution and dialogue before the situation escalates.
As the protest date approaches, the situation remains tense, with various stakeholders voicing their concerns and preparations underway to manage the potential impact of the #EndBadGovernance protests.