As the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests in Nigeria entered their fourth day, tensions continued to escalate across multiple states, with demonstrators defying government appeals and curfews to voice their frustration over economic hardship and poor governance.
Key Developments:
1. Continued Protests Despite Presidential Address:
- President Bola Tinubu delivered a nationwide broadcast on Sunday, acknowledging protesters' concerns and calling for an end to demonstrations.
- Despite this, protesters in several states, including Kano and Lagos, vowed to continue their actions.
- In Kano, hundreds of protesters took to the streets, some carrying Russian flags and chanting anti-government slogans.
2. Government Response:
- The Plateau State government imposed a 24-hour curfew on Jos/Bukuru metropolis due to reported looting and violence.
- Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki blamed federal government policies for the hardship, while outlining local measures to alleviate suffering.
3. Violence and Security Concerns:
- Reports of clashes between protesters and security forces continued.
- In Jos, criminal elements allegedly looted shops and restaurants.
- The International Press Centre (IPC) condemned attacks on journalists covering the protests, citing incidents in Abuja and Borno State.
4. Protest Strategies:
- In Edo State, protesters held a church service on the street as part of their demonstration.
- In Lagos, organizers announced plans to continue protests at Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park on Monday.
5. Political Reactions:
- Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar criticized the Tinubu administration, calling it a "failure on all fronts" and describing the President's address as hollow.
6. Human Interest:
- In Lagos, the protests have been marked by poignant symbols of suffering. Morufat Sikiru, an elderly woman, became a focal point at the protest ground along Kudirat Abiola Way in Ikeja. Carrying an empty pot, she lamented the severe hunger and economic distress affecting her and many others. Her actions drew both sympathy and skepticism, with some offering financial help and others questioning her motives. Despite receiving an offer of N500,000 from singer Oxlade, Sikiru expressed her intention to continue protesting until there is a significant improvement in the economy.
Analysis:
The continuation of protests despite the presidential address indicates deep-seated frustration among Nigerians over economic conditions and governance issues. The government's mixed response, combining dialogue offers with curfews and force in some areas, has so far failed to quell the unrest. The involvement of various demographics, from youth to the elderly, underscores the widespread nature of discontent.
The protests have also revealed potential vulnerabilities in government communication, as evidenced by the premature leak of the President's speech. This has been seized upon by opposition figures to further criticize the administration's competence.
The nationwide protests have highlighted widespread discontent with economic conditions and governance. Despite calls for suspension and violent crackdowns in some areas, the demonstrations continue, driven by the populace's demand for substantial change. The coming days will likely see further developments as protesters persist in their efforts to #EndBadGovernance and seek relief from economic hardships.
