Despite President Bola Tinubu’s appeal to suspend protests, demonstrators in Lagos and Osun have resumed their peaceful demonstrations under the #EndBadGovernance movement.
In Lagos, protesters gathered at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park in Ojota, while in Osun, they converged at Freedom Park in Osogbo. The protesters criticized the President’s recent national address, stating, “The President cannot offer an olive branch while holding a dagger to our throat.”
During his State of the Nation broadcast, President Tinubu acknowledged the concerns of the protesters and urged them to suspend further demonstrations in favor of dialogue. However, the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria Organizing Committee, through a statement by Hassan Taiwo, Ayoyinka Oni, and Adegboyega Adeniji, expressed disappointment with the President’s speech.
“We see the President’s decision to address the nation as a victory for our movement,” the statement read. “However, we cannot accept a situation where the President speaks of peace while simultaneously threatening us.”
Sanwo-Olu Declares Peace in Lagos
In Lagos, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu commended the protest organizers for pausing their actions following the President’s address. Speaking after an Executive Council Meeting, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, reassured the public that “Lagos is peaceful, and all is well. Lagosians should go about their business without fear.”
Adeleke Vows to Improve Governance in Osun
In Osun State, where the protests have entered their fifth day, Governor Ademola Adeleke assured demonstrators of his commitment to addressing their concerns. As economic activities began to resume, with some banks offering limited services, the protests continued peacefully through major areas of Osogbo.
Governor Adeleke, through a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, praised the protesters for maintaining peace and promised that their demands would be addressed. “We feel the pain our people are experiencing, and we are working tirelessly to bring relief,” Adeleke stated.
Abiodun Appeals for Patience
Meanwhile, in Ogun State, Governor Dapo Abiodun called for patience and understanding from Nigerians, emphasizing the need for time to see the impact of the current economic policies. Speaking at the inauguration of the Governing Council of the Sikiru Adetona College of Education, Science and Technology in Ijebu-Ode, Abiodun thanked students and youths for their peaceful engagement during the protests.
“We have heard your voices,” he said. “Both the state and federal governments are committed to being responsive to your demands. We ask for your continued patience as the effects of our policies take time to manifest.”
