Protesters on Friday took to the streets of Lagos in a renewed #EndBadGovernance protest, using the occasion of Democracy Day to demand urgent government action on worsening economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, and the rising cost of living.
The protest, which drew activists, civil society groups, and concerned citizens. It was marked by peaceful processions and the display of placards carrying messages such as “Free All Captives Now,” “End Anti-People Policies Now,” and “For a Living Wage and Mass Creation of Employment.”
This protest comes amid the recent coordinated mass abductions that occurred in Oyo and Borno states within hours of each other, as well as hardship.
Demonstrators also called on authorities to address the plight of Nigerians struggling with inflation, high transportation costs and declining purchasing power.
Demonstrators with placards carrying messages such as “Free All Captives Now,” “End Anti-People Policies Now,” and “For a Living Wage and Mass Creation of Employment.”
Prominent human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, was present at the protest, lending his voice to calls for reforms and improved governance.
Falana had earlier joined several civil society organisations in declaring June 12 a day of nationwide protest, citing concerns over insecurity, hunger and the economic difficulties facing millions of Nigerians.
Rapper, songwriter, Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, also joined the protest, where he called on the government to secure schools across the nation.
Security operatives were also present at the scene of the protests.
However, the protest scene also witnessed the emergence of another group of demonstrators expressing support for the government’s ongoing economic and policy reforms.
Protesters in support of government reforms
The pro-government group marched with banners bearing the inscription “Better Days Ahead for Nigeria,” urging citizens to remain patient with ongoing reforms, which they said were designed to place the country on a path of long-term economic recovery and sustainable growth.-Channels
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