End Bad Governance as Nigeria is currently experiencing widespread protests. Protesters in their thousands screaming ‘We are hungry’ took to the streets on Thursday, August 1, 2024, due to the severe economic hardship and longstanding issues such as corruption and poor governance.
The protests, branded under the hashtags “EndBadGovernance” triggered by the rising inflation, collapsing living conditions, and food inflation rising above 40% (according to the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics).
Even though the government continues to borrow – just in Q1 2024, the public debt stock stood at ($91.46 billion). Nigerians lament that while they languish in abject poverty, the Government continues to spend profligately on the purchase of yachts, new private jets and house renovations.
A protester and her empty pot… on Day 1 of the #EndBadGovernance protest#EndBadGovernaceInNigeria pic.twitter.com/3pMqEVMV69
— TheCable (@thecableng) August 3, 2024Today, Friday, August 2, 2024, is the second day of what protesters call the “10 days of rage” demonstration of the End Bad Governance. The situation is tense with the potential for escalation if the government and protesters do not find a common ground for some of their demands. Protesters are demanding:
- Reversal of petrol pump price to N100/litre.
- Combat insecurity and hunger.
- Close IDP camps and resettle the campers.
- Total electoral reform.
- Independent probe into the electoral budget of N355 billion
- The immediate release of ENDSARS protesters is still in detention.
- Implementation of a living wage (the minimum wage of N300k).
- Compulsory free education from primary to secondary school.
- Children of public school holders must attend public schools in the country.
- The government must patronize made-in-Nigeria goods.
- Transition to unicameral legislature.
- Judicial and constitutional review
End Bad Governance Hunger Protest – 17 protesters died
No fewer than 17 persons were feared killed in Abuja, Kano, Niger, Borno, Kaduna and Jigawa states during the End Bad Governance protest which was held across the country on Thursday.
The rally began peacefully but took a violent turn in major cities leading to serious confrontations between the police and the protesters. All Nigerians are asking for, is for the current government to Step Up and meet their needs.
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The Government response to the protests has varied, with some addressing the protesters urging them to be peaceful while some have been silent. After the first day of protest, some northern states like Kano, Yobe, Nasarawa, Katsina and Borno have imposed a curfew of 12 to 24 hours to curb violence.
While the situation remains volatile, the protests still have a few days to go.
