By Luka Binniyat and Ebere Inyama
The #EndBadGovernance protest organizers in Lagos State, Southwest Nigeria, have suspended the protest launched Aug. 1 and declared a 3-day mourning period to honor colleagues killed by security operatives during the ongoing national protest.
In a related development, the Kaduna State Security Council has relaxed the 24-hour curfew imposed in Kaduna and Zaria cities, North West Nigeria, after the #EndBadGovernance national protest turned destructive in the two northern cities.
On the Lagos State #EndBadGovernance protest, a statement Tuesday, jointly signed by Hassan Soweto, Ayoyinka Oni and Adegboyega Adeniji, on behalf of the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria Organizing Committee, Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ojota, Lagos State, the organizers said the decision to declare a mourning period comes after a series of violent attacks on peaceful protesters by police and thugs allegedly sponsored by the state.
“The mourning period will commence on Wednesday, August 7, and end on Friday, August 9, with a public symposium and candlelight procession,” according to the statement.
“The decision to suspend the protest and declare a mourning period comes after a series of violent attacks on peaceful protesters by police and thugs allegedly sponsored by the state,” the statement added.
The organizers claim that the Lagos State government and the Commissioner of Police have failed to guarantee the right of peaceful protesters to assemble freely without molestation.
Kaduna State
In Kaduna, the State Security Council relaxed the 24-hour curfew imposed in Kaduna and Zaria cities after the #EndBadGovernance national protest turned destructive. The curfew will now be in effect from 6 pm to 8 am daily, allowing citizens to move freely and carry out their legitimate activities between 8 am and 6 pm.
In a statement signed by Samuel Aruwan, Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Kaduna State, Wednesday reads in part: “The Kaduna State Security Council under the leadership of Governor Uba Sani, after a thorough review of the security situation in Kaduna and Zaria towns and environs, has unanimously agreed to relax the 24-hour curfew earlier imposed on Monday 4th August 2024.
“By this review, the curfew will now be in effect from 6pm to 8am daily.
“This implies that citizens may move freely and carry out their legitimate activities between 8am and 6pm, and will revert to the curfew from 6pm to 8am
“Furthermore, the security forces will continue to vigorously enforce the curfew from 6 pm to 8 am and will be decisive in confronting actions which may lead to a breakdown of law and order during periods of movement as well as restriction.
“This is with effect from tomorrow, Thursday 8th August, 2024”, reads the statement.
Rivers State
Despite the suspension of protests by the organizers, the nationwide protests continued in Rivers state on Wednesday, August 7. However, protesters were stopped by a group of violent bullies who positioned themselves directly opposite the Federal Secretariat in Port Harcourt. The bullies reportedly beat up some of the protesters and a journalist, while police officers stood by and did nothing.
Former Vice-President Abubakar has faulted the use of lethal force against peaceful protesters, warning that security heads would be held liable for committing crimes against humanity. He emphasized that the constitutional right to engage in protest is firmly established and reinforced by the judiciary, and it is the duty of the government and security agencies to ensure a safe and protected environment for individuals exercising their right to peaceful protest.
Overall, the situation remains tense, with protests continuing in some parts of the country despite the suspension by the organizers.
The use of lethal force against peaceful protesters has been widely condemned, and there are calls for the government and security agencies to respect the constitutional right to protest and ensure a safe environment for protesters.
Luka Binniyat and Ebere Inyama are conflict reporters for TruthNigeria.
