The Lagos Planning Committee for the #EndBadGovernance protests has announced the cancellation of today’s rally, citing continued attacks on peaceful protesters allegedly perpetrated by hoodlums under the watchful eye of the police.
The decision to suspend the rally marks a significant setback in the nationwide protest movement aimed at demanding better governance and addressing ongoing economic hardships.
Hassan Soweto, a key coordinator of the protest and member of the Youth Rights Campaign, confirmed the cancellation in an interview with ait.live.
Soweto reported that protesters at the Ojota venue were attacked by thugs on Monday, with the police allegedly present but failing to intervene.
This led to concerns about the safety of protesters, prompting the organizers to suspend the rally for the day.
Soweto expressed frustration over the situation, stating, “We don’t want to lose anybody. We are concerned about the safety of innocent protesters.
“Yesterday, miscreants attacked peaceful protesters with the Police watching, which is unacceptable. We will use today to hold meetings on how to proceed with the protest.”
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, weighed in on the situation, asserting that the protest had been effectively called off in light of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent speech addressing the protesters’ demands.
In an interview late Monday, Fayoade declared that any further gatherings related to the #EndBadGovernance protest would be considered unlawful and illegal, with the police prepared to enforce the law against such assemblies.
Fayoade stated, “The organizers have decided to call off the protest. They said they are looking at the President meeting their demands.
“So in view of this, there will be no more gathering at the Gani Fawazimi Freedom Park at Ojota or anywhere in the state.
“Any of such gatherings is now unlawful and illegal and if such gatherings exist, we are going to apply the full weight of the law.”
In response to the Commissioner’s statement, Soweto emphasised that the decision to suspend the rally for a day was not a concession to threats but a strategic move to ensure the safety of participants and to plan the next steps.
“The constitution allows for peaceful protest. We decided to take the day off to enable us to assess progress and to also strategize.
“We won’t bow to any idle threat. We will make announcements as to what next before the close of work today,” Soweto asserted.
The #EndBadGovernance protests, which gained momentum across Nigeria, have been driven by widespread dissatisfaction with the current administration‘s handling of economic and governance issues.
The movement has seen demonstrations in various states, including Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Benin City, with protesters voicing concerns over economic hardship, corruption, and inadequate governance.
