Protests erupted in various state capitals, such as Lagos, Osogbo in Osun State, and Benin, Edo State. The demonstrators, spearheaded by rights activists and members of civil society, marched through key thoroughfares, urging the Federal Government to address issues of hunger, inflation, and insecurity in the nation.
In Lagos, the protesters gathered beneath the Ikeja Bridge, chanting solidarity anthems and brandishing placards bearing diverse messages like “The escalating cost of living is intolerable” and “We demand improved governance and a fair wage for all Nigerians,” among others.
During the protest, Mr. Omotaje Olawale emphasized that the current electoral system was flawed from its inception and was enforced on Nigerians by the military regime. He highlighted that despite the awareness of this flawed system by many Nigerians, including MKO Abiola, the acclaimed victor of the 1993 presidential election, they opted not to withdraw. Omotaje noted the excessive power wielded by those in authority, leaving the electorate defenseless and subject to the whims of a select few individuals controlling the national resources.
Funmi Ajayi, representing the Activists for the Masses Coalition, urged the governing elite to heed the voices of ordinary Nigerians. He stressed that democracy should cater to the basic needs of average citizens, such as addressing hunger, inflation, insecurity, and other pressing issues.
In ensuring the safety of the protest, the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Mr. Adegoke Fayoade, supervised the security personnel and other law enforcement agencies. Fayoade clarified that despite the peaceful nature of the protest, security forces were present to prevent any potential disruption by unwelcome elements.
In Ibadan, Oyo State, five individuals donning ‘Revolution Now’ attire were apprehended at Mokola Roundabout by the police. They were part of a group of protesters gathered under the ‘Take It Back Movements’ and in collaboration with Concerned Nigerians, an advocacy and human rights organization. The protesters, who convened for a peaceful demonstration on the state of the nation, commenced their activities around 9:15 a.m., singing songs and showcasing a lengthy banner and placards with messages like ‘We are famished,’ ‘Justice must prevail,’ ‘People’s power surpasses that of those in authority,’ and ‘Unity is strength.’
In Benin, members of the Edo State Civil Society Organisation (EDOSCO) protested, calling on the Federal Government to alleviate the suffering of the populace. Mr. Kola Edokpayi, a prominent figure among the demonstrators, expressed their collective frustration with the state of affairs in the nation.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) affirmed that President Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ was making strides, promising brighter prospects for Nigerians. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Felix Morka, conveyed this message in a statement issued in Abuja, extending felicitations to Nigerians on the occasion of the 2024 Democracy Day.
Morka acknowledged the imperfections and challenges inherent in democracy, underscoring the setbacks, pains, and disappointments experienced by the country. However, he emphasized that these were essential to the democratic process and were instrumental in fortifying the nation.
He lauded President Tinubu as a seasoned advocate, a democracy champion, and a forward-thinking leader whose contributions to democracy and nation-building were monumental. Morka commended the administration’s achievements, including infrastructural improvements supporting economic expansion, multi-sector reforms to rectify long-standing policy discrepancies, and efforts to address insecurity and enhance social investments.
Morka highlighted the administration’s focus on poverty alleviation, wage enhancement, and collaborations with stakeholders to elevate living standards. He cited the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) forecast of Nigeria’s burgeoning economy, signaling the alignment of the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ with a prosperous future for the nation.
President Tinubu’s commitment to steering the country toward prosperity was underscored by Morka, who commended the leader’s resolve to tackle challenges head-on. He acknowledged the temporary hardships resulting from necessary policy reforms enacted to propel the nation toward sustainable growth.
Expressing gratitude for the unwavering support, Morka expressed optimism that the ongoing democracy would usher in an era of economic liberation, paving the way for a brighter future for all Nigerians.
