By Victor Akaa.
In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests, Nigerian authorities have unleashed a wave of repression, sparking widespread outrage and defiance.
This has not gone down well with some civil society groups and other concerned Nigerians.
This is why the Network of Abuja Left Groups, a coalition of activist organizations, has issued a scathing statement condemning the government’s actions and reiterating their demands for sweeping reforms.
The protests, which began in response to skyrocketing fuel prices, electricity tariffs, and rampant corruption, have morphed into a broad-based movement demanding an end to bad governance and economic exploitation.
However, the government’s response has been marked by brutality, with security forces using live ammunition, tear gas, and arbitrary arrests to quell the demonstrations.
“It’s like they’re trying to silence us, but we won’t be silenced,” said Omole Ibukun, spokesperson for the Creative Change Centre. “We’ll keep protesting until our demands are met. We won’t back down.”
The Network of Abuja Left Groups is demanding the immediate sack of key government officials, including National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector General of Police Egbetokun, and DSS DG Bichi. They also want the prosecution of security agents responsible for attacking protesters and the release of all abducted and arrested Nigerians.
Furthermore, the group is calling for a live debate with President Tinubu and his team to discuss the practicalities of their demands. “We want to show Nigerians that our demands are reasonable and achievable,” said Kayode Salako, a leader of the Revolutionary Socialist Movement. “We’re not just protesters; we’re patriots fighting for a better future.”
As tensions simmer, the government’s introduction of the Counter-Subversion Bill 2024 has sparked fears of a looming crackdown on dissent. Critics say the bill is a thinly veiled attempt to silence opposition voices and maintain the status quo.
With the protests showing no signs of abating, Nigeria teeters on the brink of chaos. Will the government heed the people’s demands, or will repression and resistance continue to escalate? One thing is certain – the fate of Africa’s most populous nation hangs in the balance
