#EndBadGovernanceInNigeria Resumes in Port Harcourt, as Lagos Declares Protest Unlawful
Although Adegoke Fayoade, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, declared any #EndBadGovernanceinNigeria protest in the state illegal following President Bola Tinubu’s nationwide address on Sunday, August 4, pockets of demonstrations resumed in the nation’s economic hub on Monday, August 5.
When he addressed journalists yesterday after President Tinubu’s nationwide broadcast on the ongoing protest, Commissioner Fayoade emphasized that any further gatherings in the state would be deemed unlawful.
“The protest has been called off because of the President’s speech. They believe that the President has spoken, and they are looking forward to him meeting their demands,” he stated.
Fayoade reiterated the government’s stance on maintaining order in the state.
“In view of that, there should be no more gathering here or anywhere; any such is considered illegal and unlawful. Since it has been called off, we will apply the full weight of the law,” he added.
In his address to the nation, President Tinubu stated that all violence, destruction, and bloodshed must stop.
“I hereby enjoin protesters and the organizers to suspend any further protest and create room for dialogue,” he said.
Although the protest appears to have waned compared to the intensity witnessed last week, some Nigerians have defied President Tinubu’s plea, as protests have resumed not only in Lagos but also in other cities across Nigeria.
Media reports indicate that protests have resumed in Ojota, Lagos, despite the warning by the Commissioner of Police in the state.
Nigerians Resume EndBadGovernanceInNigeria Protest Despite Tinubu’s Address
In Port Harcourt, protests have resumed in various areas across Rivers State. According to a video sent to Neusroom by a resident, market women were chased out of Rumuokoro market, a popular daily market in Port Harcourt.
“They chased market people out so that they can start the protest,” a Nigerian who came to buy goods at the market told Neusroom.
Additionally, some Nigerians, like Nobel laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, believe that President Bola Tinubu’s speech failed to address the violent crackdown by security personnel on protesters, as 17 people have reportedly been killed, with many arrested, since the protests began.
