The nationwide protests against hunger tagged #endbadgovernance took off peacefully in several parts of the country on Thursday exemplifying the diversity in Nigeria, recording violence and looting in some Northern states; all quiet in the five southeast states while all the six southwest states actively participated.

The protests were a mixture of those against President Tinubu and his policies that triggered hunger in the land and those supporting the government’s reform agenda, who requested that the government be given more time for its policies to germinate and bear fruits. The protests took off slowly around the country, initially suggesting a lack of interest in many states but by noon people had gathered and a hitherto quiet environment bubbled with protesters’ activities both for and against.

In Abuja, a hitherto peaceful gathering at the MKO Abiola stadium became overheated when some pro-government protesters arrived at the stadium in several buses a situation that angered the protesters who had complied with the Court order restricting them to the Stadium to march towards the Eagle Square. They were confronted by security agencies who tried to stop them with tear gas.

The FCT Police Commissioner and one of the leaders of the protests Mr. Deji Adeyanju had engaged themselves in an argument on the spillover of the protesters to the main road instead of limiting themselves to inside the Stadium. Mr. Adeyanju argued that the protesters were within the precinct of the Stadium.

Bayelsa State was a mixed-blend situation. In the morning, many residents were on the Streets with some at work while others joined the protest. Some of the banners carried by the protesters read: ”Improve Our Living Condition”, “End Bad Governance” and ” Increase Police Salary”.

In Adamawa State, protesters trooped to the Streets singing the praises of President Tinubu and his policies, urging the people to allow the President’s programme to take a firm root for the dividends to manifest.

Lagos protesters moved from Ikeja under the Bridge and marched on the Streets to the Gani Fawehinmi Park at Ojota. Some of the protesters had earlier gathered at the Alausa Secretariat which is the seat of government. The Lekki axis which was the epic-center of the EndSARS protest was quiet with the presence of a large retinue of security personnel.

Kaduna metropolis was initially peaceful without the presence of protesters but all that changed by noon when the peaceful atmosphere of the State was shattered. According to the Police, a minority Shi’ite Muslim sect declared unlawful in the state was responsible for most of the disturbances which saw one Police Officer injured.

Rivers State was in a quiet mood until around 10:00 am when the protesters started gathering at the Pleasure Park, Aba Road in Port Harcourt. The protesters sang the old national anthem and later proceeded to the Government House. They were addressed by the State Governor Sim Fubara at about noon. He thanked them for coming out and for being peaceful. He appealed to them to give the government more time to tackle the economic problem adding that most of the problems were inherited.

In Benin City, Edo State, the protest was peaceful as the protesters gathered at only one spot where they were addressed by the Police Commissioner who after his address asked that they be given refreshments. He urged them to be a good example to the rest of the country.

The entire southeast was quiet as the people sat back at home and others went about their normal duties. Some of the people who spoke about the protests said the Ibo people had nothing to do with it because INEC refused to declare the rightful person the winner of the election.

Kano State recorded the worst violence and looting on Day 1 of the protests. Protesters had to set the gatehouse of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in Kano State ablaze. The protesters, who are participating in the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests, are demanding an end to the dire economic situation in the country.

Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy wrote on his X handle: “Sad to learn that our Digital Innovation Park in Kano slated for launch next week to support our technical talent accelerator (3MTT) has been set ablaze and looted by protesters. Alongside #3MTT, this building is set to host our buildathon holiday maker programme for secondary school kids starting next week. A slight setback for our journey to deepen our workforce for technology while creating job opportunities for the youth. Millions of Naira down the drain”

To avert a breakdown of law and order, the Borno State government had to declare a 24-hour curfew in the State. The restive youth had gathered around the suburb of Maiduguri and were marching into the metropolis when they were stopped by the Police. They made burnfires and were becoming unruly before they were forcefully dispersed.

Calls for President to Address the Nation

To calm frayed nerves and agitations, there are strident calls for President Tinubu to make a broadcast to the nation, appeal to protesters, and make some policy changes to arrest soaring inflation and bring succour to the people.

A source close to the government does not agree with the President’s addressing the nation: “What should he say that he has not said? The SGF and four ministers addressed a World Press Conference on Wednesday to state the government’s case. The fact of the matter is that the high cost of living is a necessary consequence of the economic reforms. The FG’s palliatives are insufficient and can never be without corresponding interventions by the sub nationals”

An analyst is, however, of the opinion that the President’s speech would be a soothing balm.” He should tell Nigerians that he understands what they are going through, the pains. Assured them that it was an error of judgment to think the President was a wicked leader. His actions and reforms were to correct the ills of years past. Lay out a plan with timelines of when fuel prices will go down and the Naira will begin to appreciate.”