In Jos, hundreds of residents and various groups joined the national #EndBadGovernance protest, disregarding government and Civil Society Organisations’ warnings against it in Plateau State.
Despite the calls to avoid the protest, the demonstrators, including former Minister of Sports Solomon Dalung and cleric Prophet Isa Elbuba, convened by the Initiative for a Better and Brighter Nigeria, took to the streets early in the morning to demand an end to bad governance and the challenging economic situation.
During the protest, security personnel were present to prevent any violence, ensuring the peaceful demonstration lasted for several hours.
Dalung, who served as Minister of Youth and Sports Development under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, urged security forces not to intimidate protesters, citing citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly as per the amended Nigerian constitution.
He emphasized the growing hardships faced by Nigerians, calling attention to the urgent need for change.
Meanwhile, Elbuba, the General Overseer of Evangelical Bible Outreach Ministries International, demanded President Bola Tinubu’s resignation for his failure to address the crisis, stating, “Hunger will not allow us to wait until 2027 for change.”
Elbuba vowed to mobilize more individuals to join the protest, condemning the intentional economic challenges imposed on ordinary Nigerians and insisted on the government’s obligation to its citizens.
He stressed the continuous protest, asserting that the government’s policies were detrimental to the people.
Additionally, the Citizens Coalition against Corruption and Injustice, led by Chris Iyama, urged Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on food security immediately, criticizing the current administration’s anti-people policies and calling for a review of the cabinet to uphold good governance.
Iyama advocated for the reversal of certain policy decisions and reduction of extravagant spending, highlighting the citizens’ need for a proper management of resources for their welfare.
Gad Peter, the executive director of CLEEN Foundation, underlined the Nigerian youth’s demand for good governance and practical solutions from the government to ensure the protection of lives, property, and a thriving economy.