On the occasion of the 2024 Democracy Day, citizens across Nigeria took to the streets to voice their grievances and demand relief from economic hardships, insecurity, and other pressing issues. From Lagos to Abuja, and Osogbo to Edo State, the chorus of discontentment reverberated as protesters called for meaningful change.
In Lagos, under the shadow of Ikeja Underbridge, demonstrators gathered, their voices rising above the city’s hum. Among them was Ayoyinka Oni, representing the Take It Back Movement. With determination etched on his face, Oni criticized the government’s policies, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies.
“The cabals ruling Nigeria are thrusting us into worsening economic hardship every now and then,” Oni declared, his words resonating with the crowd. “We are only paying more while the politicians and marketers are getting richer, so it must be reversed.”
Placards bobbed above the sea of protesters, bearing messages like ‘President Tinubu, let the poor breathe,’ ‘End Insecurity,’ and ‘Reverse Fee Hikes Now.’ Each slogan a testament to the growing frustration with the status quo.
Amid the throng, a protester clad in a nurse’s uniform raised her voice, calling for a revamp of the healthcare system. “Our nurses are leaving the system, fix the health sector!” she implored, her words carrying the weight of countless struggles endured by healthcare workers.
In Abuja, at Unity Fountain, a smaller yet equally determined group gathered. Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju stood among them, a beacon of resilience in the face of adversity. “The DSS and other security agencies do not have the right to tell Nigerians when or how to protest,” Adeyanju asserted, his voice unwavering. “Special appreciation to all Nigerians who came out despite the threat to protest in Lagos, Abuja, Kaduna, and other parts of the country.”
“We are hungry protest,” read a banner held high by demonstrators, a stark reminder of the daily struggles faced by ordinary Nigerians.
In Osogbo, a coalition of civil society groups led the charge, traversing the city streets with purpose. Waheed Lawal, chairman of the coalition, reminded the government of its duty to fulfill promises made to the electorate. “The promises remain unfulfilled till now. Nigerians are living in hardship,” Lawal declared, his words echoing through the crowd.
Similar scenes unfolded in Edo State, where members of the Civil Society Organisation rallied for an end to the suffering of the masses and the implementation of policies aimed at improving living
