- Falana, Adegboruwa, NBA, Civil Society Groups parley with IGP over protest
- A timeline of protests in Nigeria from 1999 to date
While Nigerians prepare for nationwide protests against poor governance starting 1 August, a troubling video emerged showing thugs intimidating market traders on Lagos Island.
The footage, which has been widely circulated, depicts the thugs moving through the market and threatening traders with severe consequences if they do not comply with their demands.
As Nigerians prepares for nationwide protests against poor governance starting August 1, a concerning video has emerged showing thugs intimidating market traders on Lagos Island.
In a viral clip on Tuesday, persons whose voices were the only ones audible were chastising market women and men in a Lagos market, urging them to desist from the planned protest, as it might lead to more destruction than that witnessed during the #EndSARS protest.
“Anyone confident should come out on Thursday to protest. Are you the only one hungry? If you dare come out for the protest, you will be mercilessly dealt with.
“If they burn your shops, who will be responsible for it? On Thursday, if you truly believe in your cause, come out and protest. You are not the only ones who are hungry; we don’t want things to be destroyed in Lagos. We will not allow it,” the men in the video warned.
The PUNCH had earlier reported that some youths in Lagos held a solidarity march to counter the planned nationwide hunger protest scheduled for August 1.
Additionally, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has urged all groups planning to participate in the proposed nationwide protest to submit their details to the Commissioners of Police in their respective states.
He stated this was to ensure the protest remains peaceful.
Egbetokun said, “We acknowledge the constitutional right of Nigerian citizens to peaceful assembly and protest.
Meanwhile, the Take It Back Movement, through their solicitors, has sent a comprehensive response to the Inspector-General of Police’s letter dated July 29, 2024, regarding the group’s notice of public meetings, rallies, and processions across Nigeria.
The movement has acknowledged the commitment of the Inspector-General of Police towards ensuring compliance with extant legislations that grant citizens the right to hold such gatherings and the police’s obligation to provide adequate coverage and protection at the venues.
In their detailed response, the Take It Back Movement has requested the contact information of the Deputy Inspectors-General of Police, Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, and the Commissioners of Police designated to cover the said public meetings, rallies, and processions. The group aims to coordinate with the designated police officials to ensure a peaceful and crisis-free outing.
The movement has provided specific details of some of the points of convergence for the public gatherings, including:
1. Eagle’s Square, by the Secretariat, FCT, Abuja
2. Alausa Park by the Secretariat, Ikeja, Lagos
3. Opposite Wema Bank, Akpakpava Lane, Benin City
4. Opposite School of Agric, Bauchi, along Tafawa Balewa Road
5. Rosewale Filling Station, Iwo Road, Ibadan
6. Maiduguri Roundabout, opposite State Stadium, Damaturu, Yobe State
7. Rainbow Roundabout and Pantani Stadium, Rivers
8. Freedom Park, Osogbo
The Take It Back Movement has also requested a virtual meeting with the Inspector-General of Police to facilitate enlarged participation. The group will be led in the meeting by prominent figures such as Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, representatives from the NBA, other lawyers, and civil society organisations. They await the Zoom link for the said virtual meeting.
Below is a timeline of protests in Nigeria from 1999 to date
PUNCH reports that since Nigeria’s return to civilian rule in 1999, the nation has witnessed a series of protests reflecting the populace’s persistent demand for better governance, social justice, and economic reforms.
These protests, ranging from anti-fuel hike demonstrations to the globally recognised #EndSARS movement, have played a crucial role in shaping Nigeria’s political landscape.
Each wave of protests underscores the citizens’ resilience and determination to hold their leaders accountable and address systemic issues.
PUNCH Online reports that Nigerians are gearing up for a nationwide protest on August 1 against hunger and hardship stemming from economic policies and subsidy removal under President Bola Tinubu.
Additionally, the recent ban by network providers on millions of subscribers over the weekend has led to protests in major cities across the country, including Lagos, Osogbo, Oyo, and Niger, among others.
This timeline provides an overview of the major protests that have erupted in Nigeria over the past two decades, highlighting the key events and underlying causes driving these collective actions.
1999 – 2009
1. 2000 – Sharia Law Protests:
The introduction of Sharia law in some northern states led to protests and violent clashes.
2. 2003 – Anti-Fuel Hike Protests:
Widespread protests were organised by labour unions against the government’s decision to increase fuel prices.
3. 2005 – Occupy Nigeria (Early Protests):
Protests against corruption and poor governance.
4. 2007 – Electoral Protests:
Protests against the alleged rigging of the presidential elections won by Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
2010 – 2015
5. 2010 – Anti-Fuel Subsidy Removal Protests:
Protests against the removal of fuel subsidies led to increased fuel prices.
6. 2012 – Occupy Nigeria:
Massive nationwide protests against the removal of fuel subsidies which significantly increased the cost of living.
7. 2014 – #BringBackOurGirls:
A global movement and protests following the kidnapping of over 200 schoolgirls by Boko Haram in Chibok, Borno State.
2016 – 2020
8. 2016 – Biafra Agitations:
Protests by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) for the secession of the Southeast region.
9. 2017 – Anti-Buhari Protests:
Protests demanding President Muhammadu Buhari’s resignation due to prolonged medical leave abroad.
10. 2018 – NLC Protests:
Strikes and protests by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) demanding an increased minimum wage.
11. 2020 – #EndSARS Protests:
Nationwide protests against police brutality, specifically the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), resulted in significant international attention and the eventual disbandment of SARS by the Nigerian government.
2021 – Present
12. 2021 – #EndSARS Memorial Protests:
Memorial protests marking the one-year anniversary of the #EndSARS movement.
13. 2022 – ASUU Strike Protests:
Protests and strikes by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) over unpaid allowances and inadequate funding of the education sector.
14. 2023 – Fuel Subsidy Removal Protests:
Protests against the removal of fuel subsidies by the new administration of President Bola Tinubu, leading to increased fuel prices and cost of living.
This timeline highlights some of the significant protests in Nigeria since 1999, reflecting ongoing issues related to governance, economic policies, human rights, and regional agitations.
PUNCH
