By Abiola Olawale
A significant number of Nigerian citizens are currently participating in a nationwide demonstration to express their dissatisfaction with the country’s economic conditions.
The New Diplomat gathered that the #EndBadGovernance protest has commenced in various states, including Abuja, Ogun, Lagos, Rivers, and Kaduna.
It has been observed that economic and commercial activities have been disrupted as numerous business owners ceased operations on Thursday due to the nationwide protest. Additionally, the protesting citizens have blocked several major roads in the country, leading to traffic congestion in various areas.
The New Diplomat reports that a protest has commenced in Lagos State. A procession has formed at the Ikeja Underbridge and is currently en route to Alausa. Many of the protesters are carrying placards with various inscriptions, including “Enough is Enough” and “EndBadGovernance”.
Speaking with the press, a demonstrator in Lagos said: “They borrow, and they steal, and they hit our money,y, and they put us in poverty, they put us in penury. We cannot take this anymore.”
At the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja. The protesters, in various numbers are gathered at the entrance of the facility.
Some of the demonstrators in Port Harcourt recite the old national anthem as their form of protest
In Rivers State, there is a sizeable deployment of security personnel on major roads, comprising police, army, and others.
In Kaduna State, the roads are empty as protesters take to the streets to express their grievances over poor living conditions.
The popular Ahmadu Bello Way, located in the Central Business District of the Kaduna State capital, is devoid of the usual vehicular and human traffic.
On a normal day, this place would have been bustling with economic activities. A resident of Kaduna State who spoke with the New Diplomat said many people are scared to come out.
He said that many residents decided to stay at home to observe how the protest would unfold. He, however, mentioned that he has no fear and is ready to join the call for better governance.
In Imo state, it was also observed that banks, markets, and business establishments are closed.
However, the protest hasn’t kicked off as of press time as protesters are still converging in Owerri.
In the Sokoto metropolis, there is a heavy security presence. It is the same thing in Damaturu the Yobe State capital. Residents of the area have shunned the protest.
At the proposed protest venue in Bauchi, opposite the School of Agriculture in Yelwan Labourer, there are no protesters as of now. Security personnel are on the ground to ensure the safety of lives and properties. The streets in Kano are empty while shops around the area are heavily guarded. But at the Zoo Road area in Kano State, people are chanting “Mu yunwa muke ji” meaning “we are hungry”.
Similarly, the New Diplomat gathered that the busy roads in Akure, the Ondo State capital, were deserted on Thursday morning as the August 1 hungry protests began across the country.
The popular Oba Adesida, Arakala, Ondo, and Oyemekun roads located in the heart of the ancient city of Akure were empty without the usual vehicular or human traffic.
Also, all the government offices located at Alagbaka, including the Governor’s Office, were without any activities.
As of the time of this report, public transportation systems were operating at low capacity as most commuters stayed indoors, apparently out of fear.
