#EndBadGovernance protesters in Lagos State are set to assemble at Gani Fawehinmi Park at Ojota on Monday, August 5, 2024, to continue with their agitation after President Bola Tinubu’s national broadcast on the nationwide protests.
The President’s address has been met with criticism for its timing and content.
The protest leaders in a statement on Sunday signed by Hassan Taiwo Soweto, Ayoyinka Oni and Oloye Adegboyega Adeniji for and on behalf of the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria Organising Committee, criticised President Tinubu for speaking after three days of demonstrations, during which several people were reportedly killed by security forces and thugs.
The organisers therefore invite all Nigerian youths and citizens to gather at Gani Fawehinmi Park on Monday for a congress to discuss Tinubu’s broadcast and a world press conference to announce their decisions.
They also urge the state police commissioner to ensure that protesters are not harassed.
“We consider it rather unfortunate that it took President Tinubu three days of protest during which over 40 Nigerian people were massacred,” the statement says.
While the leaders view the broadcast as a partial victory for their cause, they express concern over Tinubu’s call for the suspension of protests.
“The President cannot offer an olive branch while at the same time holding a dagger to our throat,” they argue.
The statement highlights an incident earlier at Gani Fawehinmi Park on Sunday where thugs allegedly attacked protesters who had gathered for morning worship.
The Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Okafor reportedly justified the violence, stating that the protesters had no right to be there since the President had ordered a suspension of the demonstrations.
“We have on record the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Okafor, telling injured protesters the thugs were justified to have attacked them,” the protest leaders say.
The organizers demand that President Tinubu clarify whether he seeks dialogue with them as “slaves or as freeborn,” arguing that his approach will determine the future of the movement.
They accuse the President of ignoring their demands, describing it as “deliberate arrogance.”
They call on allies, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), media, and Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), to support the protests and prevent further repression.
“Our rights to freedom of assembly and speech are inalienable and fundamental,” the statement emphasises.
– Sahara Reporters
