Tag: Peaceful protests

As early as 6:45 a.m., the atmosphere around the Lagos State Secretariat in Alausa, Ikeja, was tense and heavily fortified with armed policemen stationed at various junctions. The entrance to the Lagos State House of Assembly was barricaded, with officers strategically positioned, yet there were no protesters in sight. The area saw movement of people, but vehicular traffic was sparse. At around 8:00 a.m., a group under the aegis of the Defend Nigeria Movement began their rally at the Alausa bus stop. Their banners and placards bore messages such as “Don’t Collapse the Roof, Let’s Promote Peace,” “Dialogue to End Hunger,” and “Don’t Instigate More Suffering.”

Comrade Olokoba Rasaq, the convener, clarified their stance, insisting it was not a protest but a rally. “Ours is not a protest but a rally of ‘No to Violence Protest.’ What we are out to do is noble, but the methodology of past protests is wrong,” he stated. He criticised the delay in action from prominent activists and stressed the importance of identity and clear intentions in any movement. “We have had protests that have been hijacked severally by hoodlums. Ours is a rally to say that whatever protest you are going to do, don’t pit us against each other but make your point.”

Shortly after, another group, the Take It Back Movement, converged at the entrance of the Lagos State House of Assembly. They sang and made speeches, demanding the government address their concerns. Banwo Olagooku, a member of the movement, articulated their demands: “We are protesting within the ambit of the law. We are calling for the reversal of fuel subsidy removal, electricity tariff reduction, and the inclusion of diaspora voting. We expect the governor to come out, listen to our demands, and take them to the federal government.”

Olagooku emphasised the non-tribal nature of their protest, highlighting the economic hardships faced by Nigerians. “We are not here as Hausas, Yoruba, or Fulani; we are here as oppressed people. The subsidy removal has forced us to spend most of our income on transportation. We demand fair wages for our workers.”

Throughout the day, various security agencies, including the military, Man O’ War, DSS, and Neighborhood Watch personnel, maintained a presence but did not harass the protesters. The Lagos State Commissioner of Police briefly addressed the crowd, urging them to comply with a court order to move to an allotted protest ground, but the protesters refused, prompting the commissioner to leave. Later, another unnamed group arrived to protest but was restricted to the front of the Alausa police station.

Meanwhile, the typically bustling Ikeja Under-bridge and its surroundings were unusually quiet. Although not completely deserted, early morning protesters had moved on to Alausa. Gradually, the area began to see some activity as buses (korope) and tricycles ferried passengers to their destinations. A few roadside businesses and shops opened for the day. Policemen, deployed as early as 3 AM, were stationed at various points under the bridge and nearby areas. It was reported that some officers had been on duty for the past four days without a break. Amidst the subdued environment, a group of men carried a banner advocating for peace, moving through the area. From Alausa to Ikeja, the roads remained clear, and the day’s protests proceeded without violence, reflecting a day marked by peaceful, albeit divergent, expressions of civic concern.

Commercial activities grounded in Iju

Commercial activities came to a halt in the Ajuwon and Ishaga communities in Iju, located on the border between Lagos and Ogun States, as the first day of the proposed 12-day #EndBadGovernance protest against hunger and hardship unfolded. By 2 PM, many shops in the major markets of these suburbs had reopened, but a significant number remained closed.

The morning’s closure of shops was partly due to the usual Thursday environmental sanitation, during which markets and roadside shops are usually shut for cleaning. However, many traders and business owners chose to stay home, resulting in a deserted appearance for streets that are typically bustling. Only petty traders, especially those selling foodstuff and alcoholic sachet drinks, displayed their wares.

Despite the calm atmosphere and absence of visible protesters, the markets in Ajuwon and Ishaga were largely locked down until about 1 PM, rendering the usually busy area eerily quiet. At the junction leading to Alagbole in Ajuwon, a throng of okada operators idled without passengers as people chose to remain home, severely impacting the business of commercial motorcycle, tricycle, and bus operators. Even the agberos, or motor park managers, found themselves with little to do. At Ishaga Roundabout, the most animated spot was the newspaper stand, where numerous “free readers” gathered to discuss the nation’s state of affairs. The vendor, Mr. Bassey Udofia, had a hard time managing the crowd.

Why protesters shunned Freedom Park

The #EndBadGovernance protest erupted at Ojota, Lagos, in the morning. Initially starting with about 15 people around 9:00 a.m., the group grew as more protesters marched down from Ikeja. Security forces, including the Lagos State Police, Task Force, Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Nigeria Civil Defence and Security Corps, and soldiers, were stationed around the protest site and the approved venue, Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park.

Read Also: Protests: When time is the enemy

The protesters, however, refused to use the park despite requests from Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, who led some media and protesters into the approved venue. Efforts to clear the park with machinery to make it conducive for the protesters were visible, but the crowd remained unmoved.

Prior to the arrival of CP Fayoade, a confrontation arose between anti-hunger protesters and those who accused them of trying to destroy Lagos as they did during the #EndSARS protests. The security agencies managed to prevent potential violence between the groups. Joseph Amadi, Convener of the Citizen Action and Accountable Initiative, stated their protest aimed to ensure Nigeria has constant electricity and to alleviate the current economic hardship. He commended the security agencies for their cordial relationship with the protesters. The protesters stationed beside Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park engaged in singing and dancing, while itinerant traders took advantage of the gathering to sell snacks and drinks.

Protesters urge Fed Govt to address economic hardship

Large numbers of protesters besieged the Freedom Park Ojota axis of Lagos State on yesterday, urging the Federal Government to address the nation’s economic hardship. Holding placards with inscriptions such as “This suffering is too much,” “We are hungry,” “No future for future generations,” and “Revise electricity tariff now,” they voiced their grievances.

Chanting solidarity songs, they lamented the dire economic situation and accused leaders of insensitivity. “We are tired of everything. We cannot afford three square meals. We are appealing to all authorities, including the National Assembly. Democratic institutions are crippled. We are dying in this nation. This is not the Nigeria of our dreams; we are suffering,” they declared.

Meanwhile, at Peace Park in the same Ojota axis, there were no protesters in sight by 7:45 AM, only armed policemen and members of the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps occupying the park. Light vehicular traffic flowed freely, and residents conducted their businesses orderly. Police patrol vehicles were seen in operation at regular intervals to maintain law and order.

Court order defied as protest held outside Freedom, Peace Parks

Hundreds of protesters took to the streets in Lagos to protest against economic hardship, defying a Lagos High Court order that restricted them to Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ojota, and Moshood Abiola Peace Park, Ketu. They also ignored a directive from the Omoyele Sowore-led “Take It Back Movement” postponing the protest to October 1, 2024.

Despite a contingent of police arriving at the parks before 7:00 a.m., the protesters, who began marching around 9:00 a.m., refused to enter either park, claiming the intention was to cage them. Instead, they marched along the roads bordering the parks, carrying placards with messages such as “Tinubu’s Economic Reform is a Scam,” “Reverse Electricity Tariff,” “New Strike Needed for Mass Movement,” and “Reverse All Anti-People Neo-Liberal Policies.”

On Wednesday night, the Take It Back Movement had announced the postponement of the protest due to security concerns. “Due to prevailing security threat conditions, we can no longer guarantee the safety of lives of Nigerians who will come out tomorrow. In light of this, we have made the difficult decision to postpone the protest to October 1,” the statement read. The postponement notice emphasized the paramount importance of citizen safety, with organisers committing to monitor the situation and work towards a peaceful and secure protest on the new date.

Lagos State Commissioner of Police (CP) Adegoke Fayoade yesterday urged protesters to maintain peace and order. CP Fayoade gave this advice during his visit to Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ojota. He explained that the Police presence at the venue was to ensure peace. “We are here to protect you. That is why we are here today,” he assured the protesters. CP Fayoade arrived at the park at about 11:16 AM, accompanied by the spokesperson of the Lagos State Command, ASP Benjamin Hundeyin, and top officers of the command.

Agege streets deserted, clash erupted over cash

The typically bustling streets of Agege were deserted in anticipation of the protest set to begin yesterday. By 8:00 a.m., places such as the Oniwaya Market, usually alive with traders and shoppers, were ghostly quiet with gates closed. From Mongoro bus stop, through Capitol Road to Oniwaya, and stretching to Dopemu, Agege Pen Cinema under the bridge, Oko Oba, and Abule Egba, the roads that are typically packed with vehicles and pedestrians were empty.

Only a few commercial vehicles dared to move, contrasting sharply with the usual bus and car traffic. Security forces, including the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency (LNSC), were patrolling to maintain peace.

A resident, who preferred to remain anonymous, said: “This area is not like this. They don’t even sleep. People are scared to come out because they don’t know what the protest will look like. If you think it will be peaceful and it turns out to be violent, no one would know. I believe that is why they are trying to stay indoors and stay safe.”

But chaos erupted at the Oke Koto roundabout, leading towards Agege’s Pen Cinema underbridge and Iyana Ipaja, as a group of miscreants, numbering between 10 to 15, engaged in a violent altercation. The unexpected clash caused panic in the area, with residents, security personnel, and passersby on high alert for over 10 minutes, uncertain of the fracas’s cause. The tension subsided after it was revealed that the brawl had been sparked by a dispute over money. A sum of cash handed to the group was not evenly distributed, leading to the outburst of violence. Commuters were stranded as a result, with a noticeable scarcity of commercial and private vehicles on the usually bustling roads.

Mile 2 bus-stop, Okota deserted amid nationwide protest

The usually busy Mile 2 bus stop, a vital transportation hub linking areas such as Festac, Satellite Town, Iyana-Oba, Badagry, Orile, CMS, Oshodi, and Apapa, was unusually quiet yesterday with no protesters on site. Only a handful of passengers were seen waiting at the Blue Line train station.

A Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps officer noted that since the station opened at 6:30 a.m., there had been very few passengers. “The train, which typically runs every 25 minutes from CMS to Mile 2, has only carried a maximum of 15 passengers today,” he said. The Blue Line trains usually carry around 180 passengers during peak hours, with some commuters preferring to stand due to the high demand.

Security personnel, including the police and Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, were stationed at Durban Junction in Mile 2, ensuring the area remained safe. As of the time of this report, the Mile 2 area remained largely deserted, with only a few individuals and vehicles seen going about their business.

Ago Palace Way in the Okota area of Lagos was unusually quiet yesterday, with few cars and people on the major road. Shops, several filling stations, and the Ago market at Century bus stop were shut down due to widespread fears surrounding the ongoing protest. The typically vibrant area, known for its busy traffic and active commerce, saw minimal movement, with businesses remaining closed. When The Nation visited the streets and major road around 12 p.m., Ago Palace Way was largely deserted. All the banks along Ago Palace Way were also closed. Security was present at Ago Roundabout. A local resident, who preferred to remain anonymous, expressed her concerns about the current situation. “I am afraid to open my shop today,” she said. “The possibility of being attacked during the protest is too high, and it’s not worth the risk.”

Protest fizzles out amid tension in Ojuelegba

Tensions were high as the nationwide protest planned for August 1st loomed over the streets of Ojuelegba down to Stadium Road. Despite concerns, the protest did not hold in Ojuelegba yesterday, leaving the streets unusually calm yet disrupted.

Attempts to engage with local youths were met with resistance, as many were wary of being perceived as agitators. “No protest for here, Oga,” was the terse response from a few individuals, reflecting a general reluctance to discuss the protest. The normally bustling streets saw a significant reduction in public transportation, with fewer vehicles available due to fuel shortages. This left many commuters stranded, struggling to reach their destinations amidst escalating transport costs.Business activity was mixed, with many shops opting to stay closed out of fear of potential violence and property damage. The decision to remain indoors was a precaution against any possible unrest. Security was visibly heightened, with officers stationed at the police command in Barracks to maintain order and protect lives and properties. Their presence underscored the authorities’ readiness to respond to any disturbances. A sign at the gate of Makinde Street encapsulated the local sentiment: “Don’t destroy our honeypot. Say No to Violence.” This message, prominently displayed, indicated the community’s collective decision to reject the protest and maintain peace. Despite the heightened alert and economic disruptions, the residents of Ojuelegba and its environs went about their day, prioritising stability over confrontation.

Why Lagos protesters shun Freedom Park

The #EndBadGovernance protesters yesterday refused to enter the designated protest site, Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ojota, citing safety concerns. The protesters, instead, assembled outside the park, blocking the service lane. The protest, which began with around 15 participants at 9 am, grew as more protesters arrived from Ikeja.

Security personnel, including the Lagos State Police, Task Force, Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Nigeria Civil Defence and Security Corps, and soldiers, were deployed around the protest site and the designated park to maintain order. Despite efforts by some artisans to clear weeds inside the park to make it more accommodating, the protesters remained outside. Anti-hunger protesters also showed up, challenging the pro-hunger demonstrators and accusing them of attempting to cause unrest similar to the #EndSARS protests. Security forces intervened to prevent any violence.

Joseph Amadi, Convener of the Citizen Action and Accountable Initiative, highlighted the protest’s goals: ensuring consistent electricity supply and alleviating economic hardships. He praised the security forces for their cooperation and the protesters for their peaceful demeanour. Protesters carried placards with messages such as “This suffering is too much,” “We are hungry,” “No future for future generations,” and “Revise electricity tariff now.” They chanted solidarity songs and voiced their frustrations about the economic situation, emphasising their need for urgent government intervention.

The protest caused minimal disruption to traffic, with commercial and private vehicles moving freely. Residents also went about their businesses in an orderly manner. Police patrol vehicles and heavily armed security personnel were visible to ensure safety and prevent the demonstration from being hijacked by hoodlums. CP Fayoade reiterated the importance of peaceful protests and the role of security forces in protecting the protesters. Joseph Amadi, a legal practitioner and protest leader, stressed the need for cooperation between protesters and security personnel to ensure their message is heard without incident. The protest is set to continue today with planned musical entertainment.

Oshodi, Mushin, Ikorodu, other commercial hubs peaceful

Despite the nationwide protests, major commercial hubs in Lagos such as Oshodi and Mushin remained relatively calm with heavy security presence. Commercial activities were ongoing but at a reduced level, with low patronage reported by drivers. Security operatives were seen patrolling these areas, maintaining order.

Residents of Ikorodu expressed their opposition to the protests, fearing they could be hijacked by hoodlums. Traditional rulers and chiefs led a three-day cleansing ceremony to ensure peace and guard against external intruders. Security personnel were stationed throughout the area, with most shops remaining closed. The Lekki Estates Residents and Stakeholders Association (LERSA) advocated for peaceful protests at designated locations. LERSA President, Alhaji Sulyman Bello, emphasized the importance of law-abiding demonstrations. Despite the tension, skeletal economic activities continued, with security presence ensuring peace. Some protesters defied court orders and gathered at the Lekki Phase 1 Toll Gate, but police dispersed them before any violence erupted.