The recent wave of protests under the banner of #EndBadGovernance in Nigeria has captured national and international attention. However, the final push intended to culminate in a one-million-man march fell short of expectations across the country. The protests, initially driven by widespread frustration over economic hardship, poor governance, and the removal of fuel subsidies, faced significant challenges from security forces, leading to a subdued end in many states.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has been unequivocal in its response to the protests, warning that the military would not tolerate any actions perceived as subversive or an attempt to undermine the government. In a statement, Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, asserted that the military is committed to preserving Nigeria’s democracy and countering any unconstitutional attempts to change the government. He emphasized that while the armed forces support the government’s efforts to address socio-economic challenges, they would not condone any protest that threatens national stability.
This stance reflects the government’s broader approach to managing the unrest. The DHQ’s position has been consistent: those with ideas on how to solve the nation’s problems should seek power through legitimate electoral means, rather than through protest. This message was reinforced as the protests unfolded, with security agencies across the country deploying significant resources to curb the demonstrations.
In the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, the protests persisted despite a heavy security presence. Initially, protesters had planned to gather at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, but security forces, including the military, police, and personnel from the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), locked down the area. Undeterred, the protesters shifted their activities to the Lokogoma and Apo Districts. Carrying placards with various messages, they continued to voice their grievances, demanding an end to economic hardship and a reversal of fuel subsidy removal.
However, the protest in Abuja, like in many other places, was met with a forceful response. Police fired tear gas canisters at protesters in the Galadimawa area, disrupting the march as it approached key locations like the Garki and Stadium areas. Despite this, the protesters remained resolute, continuing their demonstrations even as the authorities intensified their efforts to disperse them.
In Ondo State, the situation was similarly tense. The police arrested several protesters, including a prominent governorship candidate and members of the Take It Back (TIB) movement. The arrests were made during a protest in Akure, the state capital, which marked the grand finale of the nationwide protests. The TIB movement, a key player in the protests, condemned the police actions, labeling the arrests as a violation of the protesters’ rights to peaceful assembly. They demanded the immediate and unconditional release of those detained.
The arrests in Ondo highlight the broader pattern of government responses to the protests. Across the country, security forces have been quick to clamp down on demonstrations, often citing concerns over potential violence and the need to maintain public order. This approach, while intended to prevent unrest, has also fueled criticisms that the government is suppressing legitimate expressions of dissent.
In Plateau State, the protests took a different turn. Instead of taking to the streets on the final day, a coalition of youths under the #EndBadGovernance banner chose to engage with the state government directly. The youths met with Governor Caleb Mutfwang, marking the end of the 10-day protest with a formal presentation of their demands. This approach reflected a strategic shift, focusing on dialogue and accountability rather than confrontation.
The demands presented by the Plateau youths were comprehensive, addressing both state and federal issues. At the state level, they called for greater accountability in the use of federal funds allocated to Plateau State, a reduction in the cost of governance, and more transparency in the state’s expenditures. They also demanded a reduction in tuition fees at Plateau State University, reflecting broader concerns about the affordability of education in the face of economic hardship.
For the federal government, the youths urged President Bola Tinubu to reverse the recent hike in fuel prices and electricity tariffs, which have exacerbated the economic challenges facing many Nigerians. They also called for an end to corruption and the implementation of policies that would alleviate the burden on ordinary citizens. The meeting with Governor Mutfwang was seen as a constructive step, with the governor acknowledging the frustrations of the people and promising to work towards improving conditions in the state.
While the protests in Plateau State ended in dialogue, the situation in other parts of Nigeria was markedly different. The one-million-man march, intended to be the grand finale of the #EndBadGovernance protests, failed to materialize in many states. In places like Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, and Rivers, the protests fizzled out, largely due to heavy security deployments and fears of violence.
In Kaduna State, for instance, the government and security forces made it clear that unverified processions would not be permitted. The state’s Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, issued a stern warning that any attempt to disguise criminal activities as protests would be met with force. This warning, coupled with a heavy security presence, effectively discouraged residents from participating in the planned march. Similar scenes played out in Kano and Katsina, where residents opted to go about their daily activities rather than risk confrontation with security forces.
In Rivers State, the organizers of the protests decided to avoid public gatherings altogether. Fearful that the demonstrations could be hijacked by hoodlums, they canceled planned events at the two designated venues in Port Harcourt. The state police command had earlier warned that anyone protesting outside these venues would be arrested, further deterring potential participants.
Despite these setbacks, the spirit of the protests persisted in some areas. In Lagos, Oyo, and a few other states, peaceful protests were held, though they were smaller in scale compared to the initial days of the movement. However, in the South-East, there was little to no protest activity, as residents largely shunned the movement, perhaps reflecting regional differences in the issues at stake or the level of public interest in the protests.
As the protests wound down, many organizers and participants began to reflect on the movement’s future. The momentum that had characterized the early days of the protests had waned, and the planned one-million-man march did not achieve its intended impact. However, the organizers remain undeterred, with many expressing a commitment to continue the fight for better governance in Nigeria.
The Take It Back movement, for instance, announced plans to regroup and reassess their strategies. According to Damilare Adenola, Director of Mobilization for the group, they are considering various next steps, including building momentum through online campaigns and organizing targeted advocacy efforts. Adenola also mentioned the possibility of legal action or petitions to demand the reforms that the protesters have been calling for.
Similarly, other groups involved in the protests have indicated that they will continue their efforts. Juwon Sanyaolu, one of the key organizers, affirmed that the movement would return to the streets if necessary, after consulting with other stakeholders. The Initiator of Creative Change Centre, Omole Ibukun, also stated that his group would step up awareness campaigns and collective actions, preparing for another round of protests if the government fails to meet their demands.
In Osun State, the Civil Societies Coalition issued a warning that more protests could be on the horizon if the federal government does not reverse the removal of fuel subsidies and electricity tariff hikes. They also called for the release of all protesters who have been detained, arguing that the government’s current policies are only deepening the hardship faced by Nigerians.
The #EndBadGovernance protests may have ended without the grand finale that organizers envisioned, but the issues that sparked the movement remain unresolved. The government’s response, characterized by heavy security deployments and a firm stance against any perceived threats to stability, has succeeded in curbing the immediate unrest. However, the underlying frustrations that fueled the protests are unlikely to dissipate without significant policy changes.
The movement’s future will likely depend on its ability to adapt and sustain momentum in the face of government opposition. As the organizers regroup and reassess their strategies, the question remains whether the #EndBadGovernance protests will evolve into a broader, more sustained push for reform in Nigeria, or whether they will fade away like so many other movements before them. Either way, the protests have already left a mark on the national consciousness, highlighting the deep-seated discontent among many Nigerians and the urgent need for change.
SOURCES
- https://thenationonlineng.net/residents-shun-million-man-march-in-lagos-abuja-kaduna-ph-others/amp/
- https://punchng.com/one-million-man-march-flops-hunger-protest-quietly-ends/
- https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2024/08/11/peace-returns-as-protesters-shun-nationwide-one-million-man-march/
