The Twist of the #EndBadGovernance Protest

On 1st of August 2024, Nigeria woke up to the Nationwide protest against the Government. This is one protest even the Government did not take seriously, because Nigerians have been polarized more than ever and so uniting for a cause seemed near impossible.

Many were surprised when the 10- day ultimatum given to the Government took off. There was a shutdown on businesses and offices as promised by protesters. People turned out in most cities and towns to peacefully articulate their demands for an end to bad governance. It was majorly peaceful on day 1 with killings of protesters in some states by the police. Day 2 recorded more violence and lootings. After day 5, the loses are valued to be over N700 billion and over 51 deaths registered.

The protest by the first four days was a common cry against hunger and the high cost of living, Inflation and high cost of fuel. It was a call to end baby governance and start implementing people friendly policies that will cushion the effects of the harsh economy Nigerians are experiencing. Few state governments acknowledged the protesters.

It was until the fourth day that the President addressed the Nation and at that ,his speech only reiterated the path his government was treading with nothing new to address the demands of the protest. This brought a twist to the protest.

In the North, it became very violent. Looting of shops and businessses increased, burning of government building and offices also. Many protesters were seen carrying Russian flags and calling for the military to carry out a coup on the current President. Many protesters were chanting religious slogans and so on.

With the twist, Child protection partners and other humanitarian workers will need to step up and see how to prevent further violence and deaths. Especially because many of the protesters are children, youth and women.

We need to emphasize that protests need not be violent and in protest we must not violate other people's rights.

This is a call for Change makers here to see what they can do though the remaining days of the protest.