By Stephen Simon
A large crowd of protesters on Thursday staged a fresh #EndBadGovernance demonstration in Lagos, demanding urgent government action to address economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment and the rising cost of living across the country.
The protest, which coincided with Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebration, came hours after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu delivered a nationwide broadcast highlighting his administration’s achievements over the past three years in areas including security, democratic governance, economic reforms and investment attraction.
Undeterred by the President’s optimistic assessment of the nation’s progress, the protesters converged at the Ikeja Under Bridge area and marched peacefully through parts of the state capital, calling for immediate relief from the economic challenges confronting ordinary Nigerians.
The demonstration attracted activists, civil society organisations and concerned citizens, many of whom carried placards bearing inscriptions such as “Free All Captives Now,” “End Anti-People Policies Now,” and “For a Living Wage and Mass Creation of Employment.”
Some of the protesters also chanted anti-government slogans and criticised public officials over what they described as worsening living conditions, deepening poverty and the failure of authorities to adequately address insecurity and economic hardship.
The demonstrators lamented the impact of soaring inflation, high transportation costs, food price increases and declining purchasing power on millions of Nigerians, urging the Federal Government to adopt measures capable of easing the burden on citizens.
Among those who participated in the rally was human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, who called for improved governance, enhanced security and people-oriented economic reforms aimed at improving the welfare of Nigerians.
Falana had earlier joined several civil society groups in designating June 12 as a day of nationwide protests, citing growing concerns over insecurity, hunger and the economic difficulties facing millions of citizens.
However, the anti-government demonstration was matched by a separate rally organised by pro-government supporters, who also took to the streets of Lagos to express confidence in the Tinubu administration’s reform agenda.
The supporters marched with banners carrying messages such as “Better Days Ahead for Nigeria,” urging Nigerians to remain patient and allow ongoing economic and policy reforms to yield positive results.
According to the group, the Federal Government’s policies are designed to reposition the economy for long-term recovery, stability and sustainable growth, insisting that the reforms require time before their full benefits can be felt by citizens.
The parallel demonstrations reflected the contrasting public sentiments surrounding the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms, with critics demanding immediate relief from hardship while supporters urged patience as the government pursues its agenda for economic transformation.
