Groups of Nigerians have poured into the streets in major cities across the nation to protest against economic hardship despite the government’s last-minute push to prevent the demonstration.
There were also counter-marches by pro-government groups.
Inflation has reached 34 per cent owing majorly to the twin policies of subsidy removal and floating of the naira. That has pushed the cost of basic items beyond the reach of millions of Nigerians.
Talks about the demonstration tagged #EndBadGovernance protest had gained momentum on social media, leading discussions among young Nigerians on digital platforms.
Authorities across the country had in the wake of calls for the protest rallied around to halt it. President Bola Tinubu, governors, lawmakers, and traditional rulers had warned against the rallies and feared they might be hijacked by criminals.
While they admitted to the challenges facing the nation, they urged the organisers to shelve the protest and give the government more time to address the issues raised.
But undeterred, the Take It Back Movement, one of the organisers of the protest said it was not going back on the rallies. Leaders of the group had met with the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun in a last-minute move by security agencies to halt the demonstration. They rejected the IGP’s request that the processions be restricted and listed several cities and spots for the protest.
Some of the demands of the protesters include the restoration of petrol subsidies and the forex regime. They also want the government to address food shortages, unemployment, and wasteful spending by those in power. Other demands are immediate reforms of the electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) with renewed vigour in the fight against corrupt politicians.
Channels Television provided updates
8:24 am: Another deployment of policemen has arrived the Port Harcourt Pleasure Park.
8:18 am: A group gathered in the Alausa area of Lagos. They say they are not protesting but rallying against violent protest.
The DPO of the police station there also came to address the group. She said they should go to Gani Fawehinmi Park because they are not allowed to gather here.
8:03 am: Banks, markets, and business premises are closed in Owerri, Imo State. Scanty movement. No sight of protesters yet.
8:00 am: Protesters are not in sight yet at Ojota in Lagos but the police are on the ground.
7:53 am: Roads deserted at the Stadium Roundabout in the Kaduna State capital.
7:45 am: Heavy security presence in Sokoto metropolis, as the planned nationwide protest kickstarts, to ensure orderliness.
7:40 am: Protesters already gathered at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja
7:38 am: Protesters have started congregating in front of the popular Port Harcourt Pleasure Park in Rivers State.
Source: Channels Television
