The organizers of the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests have expressed disappointment with President Bola Tinubu's recent nationwide address. They believe the president is disconnected from the reality in Nigeria, as he justified state violence against protesters and dismissed their demands.
Michael Lenin, National Coordinator of Youth Rights Campaign, criticized Tinubu's speech for ignoring the protesters' grievances and justifying violence against them and journalists. Lenin emphasized that the protests, ongoing for over three weeks with casualties, highlight the president's disconnection from the masses.
Emiola Osifeso from the Take It Back Movement accused Tinubu of misrepresenting the protests as politically motivated. Osifeso clarified that the protests are a response to the government's failure to address widespread poverty, inequality, corruption, and human rights abuses after 14 months in power.
Omole Ibukun from Creative Change Centre called the broadcast filled with empty promises, noting that the president's economic claims do not reflect the actual conditions in the country. Ibukun criticized Tinubu's focus on abstract economic growth over the immediate welfare of Nigerians, and condemned the suppression of protesters' rights.
Despite the president's call for dialogue, the organizers vowed to continue protesting until their demands are met. They urged Nigerians to join the protests in large numbers, emphasizing the importance of persistence in achieving a better Nigeria.
The Department of State Services (DSS) has released Engineer Khalid Aminu, who was detained on Thursday morning for allegedly organizing the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest in Kaduna State. Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore confirmed his release, stating that Khalid has been reunited with his family. Sowore urged continued vigilance and solidarity in the fight for justice.
In a related incident, DSS operatives also arrested Aliyu Sanusi in Sokoto State for allegedly printing and distributing protest materials. Sowore reported Sanusi's arrest, demanding his immediate release.