The organisers of the ‘End Hunger’ protest in Lagos have announced plans to resume their demonstration at Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ojota, on Monday, August 5, 2024.
This decision follows recent comments from President Bola Tinubu, who addressed the nation earlier, acknowledging the protesters’ concerns and urging them to suspend their demonstrations in favor of dialogue.
In a statement released on Sunday, the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria Organising Committee, represented by Hassan Taiwo, Ayoyinka Oni, and Adegboyega Adeniji, expressed disappointment with the President’s response.
They criticized the President for taking three days to address the nation and for what they perceive as a contradictory approach: calling for dialogue while simultaneously demanding an end to the protests.
The statement highlighted the group’s view that the President’s address, though a significant recognition of their efforts, was insufficient. They condemned recent violence against protesters, including attacks by thugs during a Sunday morning worship session and an incident where a protester was struck on live television.
The organizers emphasized their commitment to the protest and called on Nigerian youth, the Nigeria Labour Congress, the Trade Union Congress, the media, and the Nigerian Bar Association to support their cause. They urged the public to join them at 7 a.m. on Monday for the fifth day of protests at Gani Fawehinmi Park.
While the Lagos State government had previously characterized the protests as peaceful, recent footage has revealed clashes between protesters and hoodlums. The organizers insist that their demonstration represents the widespread frustration of ordinary Nigerians and remain steadfast in their demand for governance reform.
