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#EndBadGovernance: Protesters vow to continue until Tinubu meets demand

Bankole ABE
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#EndBadGovernance: Protesters vow to continue until Tinubu meets demand

PROTESTERS under the theme #EndBadGovernance across the country have vowed to continue protesting until President Bola Tinubu meets their demands.

They demanded that the president take the appropriate action so the protests could be promptly called off.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Wednesday,August 1, the Director of Mobilisation, ‘Take It Back Movement’, Damilare Adenola, complained that the hardship under Tinubu’s reign had been too unbearable.

He added that the various court orders restricting protesters to particular locations were an aberration.

“Today, we have risen. We say to the President that unless he accedes to our demands, we will remain on the streets. We want to see the President on the street. During the previous protest, he was on the street.”

Another member of the ‘Take It Back Movement’, Ayoola Babalola, disclosed that the show of force by security agencies around the Moshood Abiola Stadium, a venue for the protest, was a shame for the country.

Similarly, in a chat with The ICIR in Abuja on Thursday, the spokesperson of the group, Abiodun Sanusi, described a letter in circulation that the protest had been postponed as fake.

“That’s false, it’s government propaganda, it didn’t emanate from us. The government has paid several social media influencers, media houses and CSOs, religious leaders and traditional leaders to discredit the protest.

The ICIR reported that tension rose in Abuja between #EndBadGovernance protesters and pro-government demonstrators at the MKO Abiola Stadium.

The ICIR earlier reported how a Federal High Court in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) directed the #EndBadGovernance protesters to use only the stadium for their protest until the end of the exercise.

But another group of protesters supporting the government arrived at the stadium at 9.30 on August 1, in 12 coastal buses.

Nigerians protesting against high-level hunger and inflation in the country gathered at the stadium Thursday morning in compliance with the FCT High Court order.

But sooner had they arrived at the venue than pro-government protesters arrived in four coaster buses.

Earlier, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igweh who was at the venue appealed to the #EndBadGovernance protesters to move into the stadium for their protest. 

This led to a heated argument between the CP and the leader of the protesters, Deji Adeyanju.

Since Tinubu emerged on May 29, 2023, there has been unprecedented inflation, with the market prices of food snowballing and more citizens pushed into poverty.

 

Police open tear gas on Bauchi, Borno, Abuja protesters

Kehinde OGUNYALE
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Police open tear gas on Bauchi, Borno, Abuja protesters

AS the #EndBadGovernace protest continues to spread to other parts of Nigeria, security operatives have opened tear gas on protesters in Bauchi, Borno and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The ICIR learnt that some protesters marched towards the Emir’s palace in Bauchi State demanding to speak to the religious ruler.

However, according to the assessment of operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, the protesters were unruly and were dispersed with tear gas.

This led to a confrontation between the security operatives and the protesters. However, no casualties have been reported when this report.

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Also, in Borno State police officers opened tear gas on protesters. The ICIR observed that the majority of the protesters were young Nigerians holding their placards and running away from the smoke oozing from the tear gas.

Several shots of tear gas were fired in the air as protesters blocked major roads in the states.

Similarly, The ICIR reporters also confirmed that the police were heavily shooting tear gas at Eagles Square, as protesters ran for their lives.

Meanwhile, findings by this organisation showed that in addition to eight states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) reported earlier, protests have commenced in other states like Cross River, Abia, Ogun, Imo, Kaduna, Pleatue, Zamfara Yobe, Kastina and Gombe state.

In some of the states, the processions from the protests have resulted in slow movement of vehicles and led to gridlock in others.

In Gombe State, protesters were seen climbing billboards to chant solidarity songs and attempting to access the government building.

Currently, the #EndBadGovernace protest has spread to about 15 states.

The organisers are protesting poor governance and economic hardships caused by President Bola Tinubu’s reforms.

The posts and tweets on the protest carry different hashtags, ranging from #RevolutionNow, #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria, #TakeItBack, #DaysofRage and #TinubuMustGo.

The ICIR also reported that many Nigerians thronged to the marketplaces to buy foodstuffs and other commodities as part of agitations over the protest.

Tension rises as pro-government protesters arrive Abuja Stadium in 12 coaster buses

Bankole ABE
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Tension rises as pro-government protesters arrive Abuja Stadium in 12 coaster buses

TENSION has risen between #EndBadGovernance protesters and pro-government demonstrators at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja.

The ICIR reported how a Federal High Court in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) directed the #EndBadGovernance protesters to use only the stadium for their protest until the end of the exercise.

But another group of protesters supporting the government arrived at the stadium at 9.30 on August 1, in 12 coastal buses.

Nigerians protesting against high-level hunger and inflation in the country gathered at the stadium Thursday morning in compliance with the FCT High Court order.

But sooner had they arrived at the venue than pro-government protesters arrived in four coaster buses.

Arise TV crew on the ground  confirmed that the situation has heightened tension around at the stadium..

Earlier, the FCT commissioner of police, Benneth Igweh who was at the venue appealed to the #EndBadGovernance protesters to move into the stadium for their protest. This led to a heated argument between the CP and the leader of the protesters, Deji Adeyanju.

Meanwhile, The ICIR can confirm that policemen from the FCT command were seen throwing teargas at protesters gathering at the Eagles Square Abuja for the nationwide hunger protest.

Protesters being teargassed at Eagle Square Abuja
Protesters being teargassed at Eagle Square Abuja

The ICIR reports that a human rights group, the Take It Back movement on Friday, July 26, requested the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike to permit them to use the Eagle Square for the demonstration, known as the #EndBadGovernance protest.

The group made the request in a letter signed by its director of mobilisation, Damilare Adenola.

The group highlighted demands, including the provision of a 24-hour power supply, toilet facilities, water, and security for the convenience of Nigerian citizens who would be camped out at the Eagles Square.

However, in the exparte application by his counsel, Ogwu Onoja, a senior advocate, Wike sought for order of interim injunction mandating the security agencies to prevent the protesters from gathering or parading themselves along any roadway, offices, or public premises within the FCT between August 1 and 10, pending the hearing of his motion on notice.

The minister stated that while the federal government was not opposed to the protest, intelligence, and security reports suggested that certain elements within the protest leadership planned to use the demonstration to cause havoc, irreparable damage to public facilities, block roadways, and disrupt public peace.

Since the emergence of President Bola Tinubu on May 29, 2023, there has been unprecedented inflation, with the market prices of food snowballing and more citizens pushed into poverty.

The ICIR reported that the President held closed-door meetings with the traditional rulers and governors over the demonstration.

Similarly, political actors including former presidential candidates, political parties, and other stakeholders have issued statements over the protest.

Protest: Nigerians experience network glitches, protest begin in 8 states, FCT

Kehinde OGUNYALE
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Protest: Nigerians experience network glitches, protest begin in 8 states, FCT

COMMENTS gathered by The ICIR on social media are showing that Nigerians are experiencing network glitches as the #EndBadGovernace protest begins in major parts of the county. 

The ICIR gathered that the protests have started in states namely Lagos, Sokoto, Bayelsa and Kano, Rivers, Oyo, Borno, Benue, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The network said to be affected are MTN and Airtel.

Banji Mayowa Akole (@banjiakole), said “To whom it may concern. When you use VPN with Twitter, you will no longer see the trends in Nigeria. Remember to change your trend settings. Turn off “show content in this location” and select Nigeria manually.”

Also, Morris Monye (@Morris_Monye) wrote, “MTN network has been bad today! I hope it is just a coincidence. MTN has been stressing Nigerians.”

“All of a sudden MTN network is not working properly on 1st of August. These people know what they’re doing #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria #EndBadGovernaceProtest”, SUNNY J  Widthasauce (@sunnyjoflife), said.

The ICIR gathered in various posts online that people have begun to mobilised themselves in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital, moving to the Hovernment House.

Also in Rivers State, the protesters converged on the Port Harcourt Pleasure Park on Aba Road, where they are demonstrating..

In Benue and Oyo states, protesters were seen carrying placard while marching on the streets and chatting solidarity songs.

In Kano state, Ismail Auwal (@ismaaga6) wrote, “I just saw this man heading to the protest meeting point in Kano. I’ve never seen responsible elderly people join a protest in Kano before.”

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In Sokoto, protesters are currently at Ran Mairuwa. They’re heading to the Government House.

The ICIR reports that some Nigerians, along with a group led by former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, have been mobilising for nationwide protests, holding today, August 1 to August 10.

The organisers are planning to protest for various reasons including poor governance and economic hardships caused by President Bola Tinubu’s reforms.

The posts and tweets on the protest carry different hashtags, ranging from #RevolutionNow, #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria, #TakeItBack, #DaysofRage and #TinubuMustGo.

Kukah, others blame poor governance for climate change crises in Nigeria

Bankole ABE
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Kukah, others blame poor governance for climate change crises in Nigeria

THE Catholic Diocese of Sokoto State, Mathew Kukah, and other Nigerians have blamed poor governance for climate crises in the country.

They took this stance at a Climate, Conflict and Fragility Summit 2024 organised by Clean Technology Hub in Abuja on Wednesday, July 31.

Kukah, one of the keynote speakers at the event, said Nigeria’s problem was that its leaders were bereft of ideas on how to solve the problems plaguing the country, including those caused by climate change.

He blamed federal and state governments for not utilising the ecological fund appropriated for tackling some of the climate change crises appropriately.

“If the federal government sets up an ecological fund with huge resources sunk into it and nothing happens, it becomes a playground for the governors. Nothing has happened, no one has gone to prison.

“Our problem is compounded by the fact we cannot process knowledge properly.

“Up till today, nobody in Nigeria has been appointed to a ministry because everybody has looked at the CV, and the more important the ministry is, the less likely you will have the right people,” he stated.

Speaking on the summit’s theme, “From Crisis To Resilience: Charting a Path Forward for Nigeria” the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Clean Technology Hub, Ifeoma Malo, said the event was to look at how to solve the seemingly intractable climate change issues in Nigeria.

According to her, the summit comes at a critical time when Nigeria faces unprecedented flooding, displacements, and conflicts aggravated by climate change.

“The evidence and the data exist. The policies are there and so the question is, what are we doing with all of these tools that we have in our possession?

“So our objective with this summit is to build a cohesive national conversation around these intertwined issues,” she stated.

She posited that the conference would identify some of the core challenges of climate change, develop actionable solutions and map out high climate and conflict hotspots.

Another keynote speaker at the event and Director of Research and Training at Dawah Institute of Nigeria, Nurudeen Lemu, said the relationship between climate change and conflict was very critical. He faulted the way it had been handled by the government.

A Keynote speaker at the the climate fragility summit, Nurudeen Lemu
A Keynote speaker at the climate fragility summit, Nurudeen Lemu

Lemu described the issues around climate in Nigeria as of great concerns.

“These are very persistent complicated problems where nearly everything you try to do to solve it just compounds the problem. You try to solve one aspect, you find you are creating another problem.

“This problem of climate and environment is not one that is an easy problem to solve,” the cleric stated.

He blamed the farmers and herders crisis partly on the issues of climate change and warned of more challenges due to the nation’s growing population.

Lemu warned that if the country did not care about the poor, the poor would find their way through illegitimate means.

 

Protest: police vow to enforce court order confining protesters

Bankole ABE
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Protest: police vow to enforce court order confining protesters

THE Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has vowed to enforce court orders limiting protesters to restricted areas during the nationwide protest, which started today.

The ICIR reported that some Nigerians had started gathering to stage the protest tagged #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria. 

Demonstrators seek to use the platform to express their disaffection over the hardships which President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s reforms have inflicted on Nigerians.

However, a few hours before the protest, some states received directives restricting the demonstrators to certain areas.

Court orders were obtained by Kwara, Ogun, Lagos, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to restrict protestors to designated areas.  

Reacting to this, Police Public Relations Officer in Lagos, Benjamin Hundeyin, said the orders would be enforced in the states.

He confirmed that the Police received orders from courts of competent jurisdiction restricting protests, rallies, processions and meetings to Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ikorodu Road, Ojota, and Peace Park, Ketu, Lagos from 8 am to 6 pm on August 1 – 10, 2024.

“This assurance has become imperative following news making the rounds about nationwide protests billed to start on Thursday, August 1, 2024, an action capable of grounding commercial activities and obstructing the free flow of traffic.

“The Nigeria Police Force, as a law enforcement agency, shall duly enforce this order. To this end, the command hereby assures everyone willing to join in the proposed protests that maximum security will be provided at the indicated locations,” Hundeyin stated.

The police asked protesters to follow the security protocols to maintain law and order and stop the protests from being hijacked.

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police Adegoke Fayoade gave assurance that law-abiding Lagosians could carry out their businesses without fear of intimidation or harassment and urged residents to maintain vigilance and report any suspicious activity to the closest police station.

According to Hundeyin, the command would not permit any individual or organisation to violate others’ rights, such as the freedom of movement and the right to dignity.

The ICIR reported that in addition to Lagos and Ogun, the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja restricted protesters against hunger and poor governance in Nigeria to the MKO Abiola Stadium in the nation’s capital.

The presiding judge, Sylvanus Oriji, gave the order on Wednesday, July 31, while delivering a ruling in an ex-parte application filed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

The FCT Minister had applied for an order of interim injunction restraining the five leaders of the protesting groups from gathering or parading themselves along any roadway, streets, offices, and public premises within the FCT thereafter, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

The ICIR reports that a human rights group, the Take It Back movement on Friday, July 26, requested the FCT Minister to grant them the use of Eagle Square for the demonstration, known as the #EndBadGovernance protest.

Since the emergence of President Bola Tinubu, there has been unprecedented inflation, with the market prices of food snowballing and more citizens pushed into poverty.

The ICIR reported that the president held closed-door meetings with the traditional rulers and governors over the demonstration. Similarly, political actors including former presidential candidates, political parties and other stakeholders have issued statements about the protest.

 

#EndBadGovernance protest kicks off in Lagos, Abuja

Kehinde OGUNYALE
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#EndBadGovernance protest kicks off in Lagos, Abuja

The nationwide protest slated to start today, August 1, has begun in Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, The ICIR gathered from various social media posts on X (formally Twitter).

As seen online, protesters are beginning to gather in the Mohossd Kashimao Abiola stadium.

They carried placards with inscriptions, including “End bad governance in Nigeria”, “making lawmakers part-time jobs” and chanting solidarity songs. 

On Thursday, July 31, The ICIR reported that a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja restricted the protesters to the MKO Abiola Stadium in the nation’s capital.

The presiding judge, Sylvanus Oriji, gave the order while delivering a ruling in an ex-parte application filed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

However, in Lagos, pro-government protesters gathered at Alausa, Ikeja, urging the people to come out en masse to protest while carrying placards with inspiration like “Let us dialogue together”, “Dont cause more suffering”, “Dialogue is better than violence” and others. 

#EndBadGovernance pro-government protest in Lagos
#EndBadGovernance pro-government protest in Lagos

One of the conveners seen addressing people, in the native Yoruba language, said, “The campaign we are making is not to destroy Nigeria. Nigeria would not be destroyed. All the government needs to do is to support the people.”

Like Abuja, a Lagos State High Court also restricted the protest to the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park in Ojota and the Peace Park in Ketu in Lagos.

The judge granted the application through an interim injunction to restrict the defendants from converging and protesting in Lagos from August 1-10 except in the two approved locations from 8 am to 6 pm.

The ICIR reports that some Nigerians, along with a group led by former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, have been mobilising for nationwide protests scheduled to hold from today, August 1 to August 10. The organisers are planning to protest for various reasons including poor governance and economic hardships caused by President Bola Tinubu’s reforms. 

The posts and tweets on the protest carry different hashtags, ranging from #RevolutionNow, #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria, #TakeItBack, #DaysofRage and #TinubuMustGo.

The ICIR reported that this is not the first time Nigerians have taken to the streets to protest against the government.

Findings by The ICIR showed that between 1929 and 2024, at least seven major mass protests have been held in the country.

Constitution guarantees Nigerians’ right to protest – Human Rights Commission

Mustapha USMAN
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Constitution guarantees Nigerians’ right to protest – Human Rights Commission

THE National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has said Nigerians’ right to peaceful assembly, including protest, is sacrosanct under the nation’s Constitution.

It, therefore, urged all parties to avoid actions that could jeopardise public safety, damage properties, or undermine Nigeria’s democracy during the nationwide protest kicking off today.

The commission in an advisory by its executive secretary, Anthony Ojukwu, a senior advocate, on Wednesday, July 31, reaffirmed the right to protest, stressing that the right to freedom of association and assembly enabled citizens to express themselves which helps them to shape their societies.

According to Ojukwu, the advisory is directed to all citizens and authorities involved in law enforcement and security.

He emphasised that while the right to protest is guaranteed, the protection of critical infrastructure is also essential.

“This Advisory is issued pursuant to the legal and inherent powers of the National Human Rights Commission in section 5(l)(m)(o) of the National Human Rights Commission (Amendment) Act, 2010 under the following principles:

“This Advisory shall be applicable to the conduct and management of all protests in Nigeria and other actions leading to the enjoyment of the rights to freedom of association and peaceful assembly and other associated rights therefrom.”

The advisory also stressed that the right to peaceful assembly is a fundamental human right recognised globally and enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.

“Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful assembly and association, stating that “Every person shall be entitled to assemble freely and associate with other persons, and in particular, he may form or belong to any political party, trade union or any other association for the protection of his interests.

“Article 11 of the ACHPR provides that “Every individual shall have the right to assemble freely with others. The exercise of this right shall be subject only to necessary restrictions provided for by law, in particular those enacted in the interest of national security, the safety, health, ethics and rights and freedoms of others.

“Nigeria has domesticated the ACHPR, making it a part of its national law. The African Charter is a part of Nigeria’s domestic human rights obligations under the African Charter on Human and People’s’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, Chapter A9 LFN 2004,” the advisory added.

The NHRC noted that citizens did not require police permits to hold peaceful protests, adding that protesters had the consequential obligations to ensure orderly conduct, respect for law and the security of other citizens and public and private properties.

“Notification to law enforcement about planned assemblies does not equate to seeking permission but serves as an avenue for ensuring the safety and orderly conduct of protests and assemblies.

“Law enforcement agencies must respect citizens’ rights while maintaining public order without infringing upon constitutional freedoms.”

NHRC’s recommendations 

In its recommendation, the commission urged the government at all levels to uphold the Fundamental Human Rights and the Fundamental Objectives of State Policy enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.

It reiterated that the government had obligations to facilitate peaceful assemblies by ensuring full protection of protesters.

The commission also called on the security agencies to abide by the recommendations of the United Nations Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials and the Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials.

“To the protesters; ensure that the protest is peaceful and avoid provocative actions such as carrying arms, hate speeches, attacks on law enforcement and security agencies or looting of public and private properties.

“Ensure that the protest remains peaceful and law-abiding. Violence and destruction of property will undermine the legitimacy of the protest,” the advisory added.

Ojukwu also highlighted that grievances could be addressed through dialogue, respect for human rights, and adherence to the rule of law.

The NHRC further stressed its commitment to monitoring protests across Nigeria and ensuring adherence to human rights principles. 

Nigerians resort to panic buying of commodities as protest starts

Ehime ALEX
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Nigerians resort to panic buying of commodities as protest starts

 

Police confirm bomb scare in Lagos on eve of planned protest

Ehime ALEX
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Police confirm bomb scare in Lagos on eve of planned protest

THE Lagos State Police Command has confirmed the incident of an improvised explosive device (IED) planted at the fence of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service on Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja, Lagos.

The state Commissioner of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, made the confirmation on Wednesday, July 31, hours to the planned nationwide protest against hunger and poor governance in Nigeria, Daily Trust reported.

Speaking through the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, the commissioner said an officer attached to the Police Explosives Ordinance Depot (EOD) base in Ikeja discovered the IED before it could cause harm.

He said the officer suspected a yet-to-be-identified individual parked his unregistered Toyota Corolla car on the main road, close to the gate of PMF 23 barracks

“The officer sighted a young man alighted from the car and carefully dropped a bag by the side of the FOU Zone A fence. The young man returned to his car and zoomed off.

“Based on the report, a team of EOD-CBRN experts from the base quickly mobilised to the scene to identify the object.

“On arrival, it was confirmed that truly the item was IED. Subsequently, the area was cordoned off and the IED rendered safe and thereafter detonated accordingly. Meanwhile, the residual of the IED was collected for further analysis and investigation.” Hundeyin stated.

Nigerians will hit the streets between August 1 and 10 to express their anger against the hardship they go through, The ICIR earlier reported.

In a tweet on Wednesday, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu said while the protest intentions might be noble, some narratives suggested it’s a means to change the government by non-constitutional means.

He acknowledged the current realities of the hardship the Nigerian citizens are faced with, adding that the government’s efforts to address them required more time.

“Reflecting on the tragic events of the EndSARS protest in 2020, it began peacefully but was later hijacked, resulting in immense destruction and loss. We will not allow history to repeat itself.

“To ensure safe and peaceful expression, the police have designated Gani Fawehinmi Park and Peace Park for protests. These locations will be secured to protect our citizens and prevent chaos,” the governor said.

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