The #EndBadGovernance movement, spearheaded by the Take It Back Movement, is gearing up for a monumental finale to its 10-day protest campaign, calling for accountability and justice for those who lost their lives at the hands of Nigerian security forces during the demonstrations.
The protests, which commenced on August 1, have significantly disrupted economic activities in various major cities across Nigeria as citizens demand urgent government action to address escalating food crises and the controversial removal of fuel subsidies under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Sanyaolu Juwon, the national coordinator for the Take It Back Movement, announced plans for a monumental protest on August 10, aiming to mobilize one million participants in each of Nigeria’s 36 states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. He stated, “This event will signify an important turning point in our #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria campaign, which has grown from a 10-day demonstration into a widespread movement attracting supporters from all over Nigeria and abroad.”
The movement is steadfast in its demands for justice regarding the deaths of protesters, urging the Police Service Commission to hold accountable any officers implicated in acts of violence against peaceful demonstrators.
“We condemn the use of live ammunition against unarmed protesters, which echoes the tragic incidents of the 2020 #EndSARS protests. Such brutality is intolerable and must face proper repercussions,” Juwon emphasized.
According to Amnesty International, over 23 individuals have lost their lives due to actions taken by Nigerian security forces since the protests began.
Despite evidence, Nigerian police have denied accusations of using lethal force, even as reports surfaced of them firing live rounds at vehicles transporting journalists, raising alarm during an event at the Moshood Abiola Stadium.
Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka has criticized President Tinubu for his failure to acknowledge the use of excessive force by police and the State Security Service against demonstrators advocating for an end to hunger in Nigeria.
