Just before the national #EndBadGovernance protest was set to begin, organizers in Ondo State decided to withdraw, citing concerns that the protest might escalate into an issue based on ethnicity.
The Concerned Revolutionary Youths group, behind the protest in Ondo, believed that the initial objectives of the protest had already been partially achieved, making it unnecessary to risk potential chaos or violence.
The protest, originally planned for August 1, aimed to provide Nigerians with a platform to voice their frustrations regarding the current challenges in the country.
During a press briefing at the NUJ Press Centre in Akure, Ogundipe Seyi Olaniyi, the State Secretary of the group, mentioned that influential figures in the state had also advised against moving forward with the protest.
He clarified that the decision to pull out was not influenced by financial incentives or intimidation, stating, “The planned protest has already achieved some of its aims as President Ahmed Bola Tinubu has taken some proactive measures to address many of the issues raised by the organisers.”
Furthermore, the group informed counterparts nationwide about their withdrawal from the protest, emphasizing their intention to engage in dialogues with the government to address pressing concerns of Nigerians.
The organization in the state also formally notified security agencies and relevant authorities of their choice not to participate in the planned protest.