The #EndBadGovernance movement has announced plans to stage protests across all states in Nigeria on June 12. The movement aims to express growing dissatisfaction with the current administration’s economic policies and their impact on ordinary Nigerians.
During a press conference held in Lagos, Hassan Soweto, a leading member of the movement, explained that the nationwide protests are designed to highlight the hardships many Nigerians are facing. He criticized the government’s economic reforms, which he said have worsened poverty and inequality.
Soweto pointed out that key policies such as the removal of the fuel subsidy and the unification of the naira exchange rate have had devastating effects on the Nigerian economy. According to him, these measures have pushed millions of Nigerians into deeper financial distress.
“The removal of the fuel subsidy and the naira devaluation have strangled the economy,” Soweto said. “These policies have caused widespread hardship, and frankly, the last two years under President Tinubu’s government have been disastrous for the majority of Nigerians.”
He further argued that the administration’s neo-liberal reforms are “anti-poor” and have destroyed livelihoods on an unprecedented scale.
Beyond the economic challenges, Soweto also raised concerns about the erosion of democratic freedoms in Nigeria. He accused President Bola Tinubu’s government of stifling citizens’ rights and suppressing dissent, creating an environment that resembles authoritarian rule.
“Nigerians are living like enslaved citizens,” he said. “The rights and freedoms we fought for during the struggles against military dictatorship have been stripped away. The space for civic engagement and free expression has shrunk dramatically under this administration.”
Soweto called on security agencies to respect the rights of protesters and cooperate to ensure peaceful demonstrations. He specifically appealed to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, to allow citizens to exercise their constitutional rights safely.
The #EndBadGovernance movement’s planned protests come at a time when many Nigerians are grappling with rising inflation, unemployment, and the high cost of living. The movement insists that these protests are a necessary response to policies that have failed to deliver economic relief or social justice.
As June 12 approaches, the movement is mobilizing Nigerians nationwide to join in making their voices heard. They hope the protests will pressure the government to reconsider its economic direction and address the grievances of millions of citizens suffering under current policies.
About the Author
