Hundreds of protesters staged a fresh #EndBadGovernance protest in Lagos on Friday, capitalizing on the Democracy Day period to make a case for immediate government intervention in the areas of economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment and the escalating cost of living.
The protest drew activists, civil society organisations and concerned Nigerians who marched peacefully through parts of the city, carrying placards with inscriptions including “Free All Captives Now,” “End Anti-People Policies Now,” and “For a Living Wage and Mass Creation of Employment.”
Participants voiced concern at the deteriorating economic situation in the country and called upon the government to take decisive steps to address the challenges faced by citizens.
The protest came in the wake of recent mass abductions reported in Oyo and Borno States and growing public frustration over rising living costs and economic hardship.
The protesters also stressed the effect of inflation, rising transportation fares and falling purchasing power on average Nigerians, demanding policies that would ease the burden on the people.
Prominent human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana is among those who joined calls for improved governance, enhanced security and economic reforms aimed at improving citizens’ welfare.
Falana had earlier joined several civil society groups to declare June 12 a day of nationwide demonstrations, citing issues of widespread insecurity, hunger and the economic challenges faced by millions of Nigerians.
Security agencies were also deployed to monitor the protest and maintain law and order during the exercise.
Meanwhile, another group of demonstrators also emerged at the venue to show support for the Federal Government’s ongoing economic and policy reforms.
Pro-government supporters marched with banners carrying messages like “Better Days Ahead for Nigeria,” urging Nigerians to exercise patience and allow the reforms to bear positive fruits.
The group said the policies being enacted by the government are designed to reposition the economy for long-term recovery, stability and sustainable growth.
