Senior lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, expressed admiration for the bravery displayed by Nigerians as they came out in large numbers to participate in the nationwide protest on Thursday, August 1, 2024.
Nigerians across different sectors of society joined the protest aimed at #EndBadGovernance, defying the threats, intimidation, and harassment from government authorities and security forces.
Adegboruwa acknowledged the resilience of the people in standing against the hardships and poverty inflicted by President Tinubu’s administration. He emphasized that even those unable to join physically supported the cause through civil disobedience by closing offices, markets, and staying off the streets in solidarity with the demonstrators.
Despite some isolated incidents of unrest in certain areas allegedly incited by security forces, Adegboruwa noted the overall peaceful nature of the protests, particularly in Lagos and Abuja, praising the organizers for their efficient coordination.
He also lauded the media for their responsible coverage of the events, urging them to maintain accurate reporting for the public. Adegboruwa appealed to security agencies to handle protests professionally to prevent violence and loss of lives during demonstrations.
Furthermore, he called on the Federal Capital Territory Minister and Governors with court orders hindering protests to provide mass transit for citizens to exercise their rights. Adegboruwa demanded accountability for any law enforcement officers violating protesters’ rights and causing harm.
Encouraging the continuation of peaceful protests, Adegboruwa urged organizers to avoid actions that could incite violence or disrupt public order. He called on government authorities to initiate meaningful dialogues with protesters to address their grievances promptly, warning against the dangers of ignoring the citizen’s demands.