The highly anticipated one million-man march, planned as the pinnacle of the #EndBadGovernance protests in Nigeria, has reportedly failed to garner the expected turnout. The demonstration, initially intended to rally a million participants across the country, ultimately fizzled out as the broader movement struggled to maintain momentum in the face of intensifying opposition.
The nationwide protests, which began with an ambitious 10-day schedule, aimed to challenge the government’s decision to remove fuel subsidies, increase the minimum wage to N250,000, and address other critical issues. However, the movement faced numerous obstacles, including the arrests of protesters and organizers, as well as violent attacks that resulted in several deaths.
PUNCH
The one million-man march planned by leaders of the #EndBadGovernance protest flopped on Saturday across the country due to low turnout.
In different parts of Nigeria, protesters shunned their usual meeting points, which had been occupied by security agents.
Organisers of the protest had said the march would signal the end of the 10-day protest against economic hardship.
In preparation for the march, security agencies deployed operatives into cities as roadblocks were mounted.
Low turnout in Abuja
The security situation was the same on Saturday as the police mounted barricades on all roads leading to Eagle Square, the venue where the protesters intended to converge for the protest.
Although protests were held in the Lokogoma and Apo areas of the FCT, the turnout was noticeably lower compared to previous events.
The protest waned in the FCT after security forces targeted leaders, arresting and shooting at protesters.
After there was calm, protesters returned to the streets.
The youth, who began their demonstration as early as 7 am were chrousing ‘End hunger’ and ‘Reverse fuel subsidy removal,” among others.
Rivers police patrol
In Rivers, protesters were absent on the streets of Port Harcourt and its environs.
It was the third day in a roll that residents refused to come out over fear that the demonstration would be hijacked by hoodlums.
This came as operatives of the Rivers State Police Command embarked on a show of force with huge presence in strategic parts of the state.
The state spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, in a statement on Friday night, had said some miscreants were planning to hijack the one million-man march to loot and attack peaceful residents.
One of our correspondents, who monitored the state on Saturday, reported that cops were seen in patrol vans as security was intensified.
Police patrol vans were also mounted at the gate of the Federal Secretariat, while several operatives hung around in vigilance in the event of any untoward incident.
When contacted, one of the supporters of the protest, Gogo Wellington, said he did not show up due to fear of violence.
He recalled with bitterness how some persons tried to attack some protesters.
“For that reason, we decided not to come out to avoid any clash.
“We hope that the government will be up and doing and immediately address the problems,” he added.
Kaduna, Kano, Katsina stop protest
The News Agency of Nigeria reported that residents of Kaduna, Kano and Katsina States shunned the one-million-man nationwide protest.
NAN added that hordes of people were seen going about their business activities.
Markets, motor parks, supermarkets and other economic activities were going on unfettered.
Commercial motorists and motorcyclists were also busy conveying passengers to and from their various destinations.
The Kaduna State Government insisted that unverified processions were not permitted in the state for reasons of public safety and security.
The state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr Samuel Aruwan, gave the warning in a statement on Saturday.
In Kano, some of the residents of Kano metropolitan local government areas said they would not participate again in any form of protests in the state.
The police and military personnel were also deployed in strategic locations in the state.
In Katsina, protest organisers complied with the order issued by the police and the state government that banned all forms of protests and unlawful assembly.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Abubakar Aliyu, said the order was still in force across the state.
He said the measure was aimed at preventing further escalation of violence, vandalism, and looting of private and public property.
Edo residents shun demonstrations
The Civil Society Organisations, organisers of the #EndBadGovernance protest in Edo State, could not gather people for a rally on the final day of the protest.
The group, which had chosen Ring Road as its protest venue, withdrew from the protest on the third day, stating that they would review their strategy.
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Protesters consider suing FG
The Director of Mobilisation, Take it Back Movement, Damilare Adenola, said the group would reconvene to review its strategies.
He said, “It’s indeed concerning that the government hasn’t implemented any of the organisers’ demands yet. After today, we need to regroup and reassess our strategy. Here are a few possible next steps: Continue to build momentum through online campaigns and social media engagement. Organise targeted advocacy efforts, meeting with key stakeholders and policymakers.”
Adenola said the group would also be considering lawsuits or petitions to demand the needed reforms.
One of the organisers, Juwon Sanyaolu, said he was certain there would be another round of protests.
He said, “We will go back to our internal organs, consult with Nigerians, and other organisers on the next step of actions. But one thing is certain: we will be returning to the streets, and very soon.”
On his part, the Initiator of Creative Change Centre, Omole Ibukun, stated that his group would step up its awareness, mobilisation, and collective actions through other means and prepare for another round of protests should the government refuse their demands.
