Despite President Bola Tinubu’s nationwide address, the #EndBadGovernance protesters have gathered once again at Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park in Ojota on Monday. Ogasabi on 9am News Nigeria reported that the protest organizers, Hassan Taiwo, Ayoyinka Oni, and Adegboyega Adeniji, stated that the President’s speech did not adequately address their demands, prompting them to continue the demonstration.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the organizers expressed disappointment that President Tinubu chose to address the nation only after three days of protests. They listened closely to his message but found it unfortunate that the President had to speak out under such circumstances. President Tinubu had acknowledged the protesters’ concerns, stating that his administration was willing to listen and address their issues. He urged the protesters and organizers to suspend further demonstrations and make way for dialogue, which he claimed he had always been open to.
The Protesters, however, saw the President’s address as a “significant victory for our movement” and highlighted that the President’s acknowledgment of the protests would not have occurred without their determination and resilience. They also pointed out a contradiction in the President’s message, noting that while he expressed a willingness to communicate, he also called for an end to the protests. They felt it was contradictory for the President to extend an olive branch while simultaneously issuing a directive to halt the demonstrations. Saying, “The President cannot hold a knife to our throat and at the same time extend an olive branch.”
The statement also condemned the violence where thugs attacked protesters who had gathered for Sunday morning worship, injuring many. The organizers called on all Nigerian youth and the general public to join them at Gani Fawehinmi Park, Ojota, Lagos, at 7 am on Monday, August 5, 2024, marking the fifth day of the protest.
Police Fire Teargas
The Lagos State Government had previously described the protests as peaceful. However, a video surfaced on Sunday showing protesters being chased by hoodlums at Ojota shortly after the President’s address. Additionally, 9am News Nigeria reported that security forces fired teargas at protesters at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja on Monday morning. This incident occurred despite President Tinubu’s appeal for the protests to end during his Sunday speech.
For more breaking news and updates, stay tuned to Ogasabi on 9am News Nigeria.
