#END BAD GOVERNANCE NATIONWIDE PROTEST IN NIGERIA. 1 AUGUST, 2024.
BACKGROUNDBACKGROUND© Wikipedia

INCIDENT PROFILE

The on-going nationwide demonstrations are a response to the economiccrisis
facingNigeria,country’s
characterizedby rising inflations,
Between2017
and 2018,
the economy
departmentof Special Anti-Robbery
Squadleading
toincreased
priceoffood,medical,
fuel,housing,andhighcostof(SARS) has faced relentless allegations of wanton arrests, extrajudicial
living.
has extortion
negativelyasaffected
livelihoods humanof populationacrosskilling, This
torture,well as horrendous
right abuseof thethecountry.
citizens for decades by the Nigerian youth clamoring for disbandment of
The skyrocketing commodity prices are as a result of a number of factors,
the unit. theBut removal
the threat
was subsidy,
only being
collectivelyamplified
theincludingof fuelcurrency
devaluationand onothersInternet dynamic.
in recent months.
external
On August 1, 2024, several peaceful demonstration were conducted
On the Nigeria
8th October
2020,
youth andacrosseconomic
Nigeria havestagedacrosson foodinflationhardshipin peaceful
Kaduna,demonstrations seeking to disband the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS)
Adamawa,Sokoto,Plateau,Oyo,Edo,Katsina,Bauchi,Kano,Abuja,Niger,Nasar
awa,Jigawa,Yobe,Delta,Bayelsa,Gombe,CrossandLagos
State.
of the Nigerian Police Force in Lagos, Oyo, River,Ogun,Borno
Enugu,
Port
harcourt,Imo, Akwa Ibom, Ondo, Plateau, Edo and Abuja-FCT respectively.
Amidst the protest, WANEP NEWS recorded a total of twenty-one (21)peoplea Police
were allegedly
over20 people
Amidst including
the protest,
fiveofficer(5) people
includingkilled
one with
Policeofficer
wereinjuredand247
suspects
arrested
acrossthestates
inNigeria.
allegedly killed with eight (8) others injured and several people arrested
and were later released in Delta, Lagos, Oyo and Ogun States.
On July 29, 2024, President Bola Tinubu led administration officiallyenacted
the new 2020,
national
bill ofintoPolice
law. announced
This legislative
On 11th October
Theminimum
Inspectorwage
Generaltheaction
ispartof
thegovernment's
broaderstrategyto
alleviate
economic
dissolution of SARS in response to the yearnings of the Nigerian people,
allhardshipandaddress
publicconcerns
amidpersistentfoodinflation
andofficers and men of the now defunct Special Anti-robbery Squad are being
financialchallenges,
aiming tomeet the needs of the Nigerian populace.
redeployedwith immediate
effect.

On August 1, 2024, six (6) people were reportedly killed and several others injured during a peaceful protest while thesecurity
operatives
INCIDENTPROFILEstruggled to disperse protesters with teargas attempting to block the Abuja-Kaduna highway over badgovernance and economic hardship in Suleja of Niger State.
On 8th October 2020, one (1) Police officer was reportedly killed by suspected hoodlums who allegedly hijacked a peacefulprotestIn Otovwodo,
NorthDelta
State. The
demonstration
wasallegedly
aimed at killedprotesting
the brutality,ofAlso,it wasreported Ughelli
that, four(4)LGA,peopleincluding
a police
officer wereand theoffice of extortion
the Kaduna
the Special Anti-Robbery
Squad (SARS)
operativesin thewhile
State. the suspected hoodlums allegedly hijacked the end badInvestment
Promotion Agency(KADIPA)vandalized,governance protest at Doka, Tudun Nupawa Area in Kaduna North LGA of Kaduna State.
On 8th October 2020, youth across Nigeria have staged several mass demonstrations seeking to disband the Special AntiRobbery(SARS)
the Nigeria
PoliceForcein Lagos,
a late ofnight
was staged
at thefollowing
Lagos AssemblyComplexinThree (3)Squadpeople
wereofreportedly
shotdeadby theoperatives
themarch
State Police
Commandthe breachof theAlausa,
IkejaLGAtoprotest
againstthebrutalityofthesquadon
young
Nigerians.
Kano State Government House in Kano Municipal LGA of Kano State by suspected hoodlums who hijacked the #end-bad
governance protest over food inflation and unfavorable government policies.
As at 9th October 2020, several people were reportedly arrested during wanton arrests, torture, extortion and brutality ofthe Special
Anti-Robbery(SARS)shot
operatives
in separate
locationsin Osogbo,Two(2) people
were alsoSquad
reportedlyand injured
by security
operatives
and OsunaboutState.
4 vehicles burnt during the #end
bad governance demonstration along the Abuja-Keffi Road in Mararaba Area in Karu LGA of Nasarawa State.
As at 10th October 2020, 1 killed and seven (7) others injured in an alleged attempt by police operatives to disrupt aprotest against
the several
Nigeria others
Police Forcein Ogbomosho
Oyo andbyLagos
States.
Moreover,two the(2) Special
people Anti-Robbery
were allegedlySquad
killedofandinjuredin an allegedofattempt
policeoperatives todisrupt a protest over bad governance and food inflation by community youths in 10 LGAs across the Jigawa State.
On 11th October 2020, Security operative reportedly killed three (3) people during a protest by community youths against
brutality and four
extortionby menwereof thealso
SpecialOgbomosho
ofBokoOyo State.
Additionally,(4) persons
killedAnti-Robberyin Maiduguri,Squad
Borno(SARS)Stateinaftersuspected
Haram members infiltrated
the supposed peaceful protest with Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in the State.
Preliminary investigations have revealed that during the push for the disbandment of Special Anti-Robbery Squad,
hundredsof Nigerianyouth havenarrated
their thatordealallegedlyencounteredpersonnel,
whose
primary
arePreliminary
investigations
revealed
duringthe push
to end with
bad SARS
governance,
foodinflation
andfocuses
economic
to curb violent
crimesas armedrobbery,
andkidnapping.
the protest
resulted toespeciallyviolent ininsome
hardship,hundreds
ofsuchNigerian
protesters
alsovandalism
expressed
concerns
overHowever,
the widespreadof insecurity
thestates whichto thekillingarisingand injuringof people
includinga Policesergeant and
whoBanditry
was killedsuspectedoperations
hoodlums
northernpartsleadof thecountry
from armedrobbery,vandalism,
kidnapping,andbyinsurgency
acrossNigeria.
However, ofthehas
resulted
to violent
in somethat took
the advantages
theprotest
ongoing
peacefulprotest
in Lagos
State. states which has led to killing, injuring, burning
government critical infrastructure, looting food items and destruction of several properties in the affected states.
1

ANALYSIS:The nationwide protests against bad governance and economic hardship in Nigeria have
escalated, resulting in significant violence. Government’s responses to the economic
hardships facing populations have not been able to alleviate the effects rising cost of living
on livelihoods of populations. The civil demonstrations reflect rising tensions, widespread
discontent, and a deteriorating social contract between the state and its citizens, posing
potential risks to national stability. However, the government's response marked bycrackdowns on peaceful protesters and the use of force undermines core democratic
principles, such as freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly. Thesefundamental rights are essential to democracy, enabling citizens to hold leaders
accountable for their actions.
The protests have had profound social and economic effects, exposing deep-seated issues
within the country. The associated violence and unrest have heightened public safetyconcerns, caused substantial property damage and disrupted educational and economicactivities, particularly in areas where major roads and commercial centres have been
obstructed and damaged. For instance, the blockade of the Abuja-Kaduna highway in Suleja
and the burning of vehicles along the Abuja-Keffi Highway in Nasarawa State have hindered
trade and transportation, adversely affecting local businesses.
Despite the proactive efforts of the Federal Government, various civic organizations, state
governors from diverse political parties, opinion leaders and traditional rulers to mitigate
and de-escalate the unrest, the protests have continued and in some cases, have escalated
into violence across different states. They erode trust in institutions, challenge fundamental
democratic rights, attract international criticism, and impair the rule of law. Addressingthese violations and ensuring respect for human rights are crucial for upholding democratic
principles and fostering a stable and just society.
The reactions to these protests are not uniform across the country. In the northern regions,many leaders have expressed support for the protests, viewing them as a manifestation of
deep-rooted national dissatisfaction and a call for essential reforms. They see the protests
as a legitimate form of public dissent against systemic issues plaguing the nation.
In contrast, in the Niger Delta region, youth groups have been more sceptical. They haveraised questions about the motives behind the protests, suggesting that the demonstrations
may not fully address the specific grievances of their region or might be influenced by otherfactors. This regional disparity underscores the complex and multi-dimensional nature of
the protests, revealing a range of perspectives on their validity and aims across Nigeria.
The widespread agitation calling for an end to bad governance, food inflation and economic
hardship has raised concerns among some Nigerian populace that the protests may notprovide a lasting solution to these issues. Instead, there is apprehension that the unrest
could create opportunities for criminal elements to exploit the situation. Nevertheless,many groups have pledged their support for the on-going economic reforms and palliatives
initiated across the 36 states by the Federal Government.
The protests have created significant public anxiety, particularly in states such as Kano,
Jigawa, Niger, Nasarawa, Borno and Yobe States where incidents of violence and thedetonation of IEDs infiltrated by suspected Boko Haram terrorists, and criminal activities2perpetrated by groups of hoodlums who attempted to hijack the protests with properties
and critical infrastructure destroyed in the states. The government should work towards
alleviating the current unrest, addressing the root causes of the protests and restoringstability and trust in the country.
MECHANISMS FOR INTERVENTIONS:On August 1, 2024, the states of Borno, Yobe, Nasarawa, Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa
imposed curfews as part of security measures to prevent further breakdown ofpeace and security in the states.
To address the effects of food inflation and economic hardship, the Federal
Government has distributed 740 bags of rice across all 36 states, including theFederal Capital Territory (FCT), targeting the most vulnerable members of society.
On July 29, 2024, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu officially signed
the new national minimum wage bill into law, as part of its efforts to alleviate
economic difficulties faced by Nigerians.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP) has placed all units on red alert to avert
further break down of law and order.

RECOMMENDATIONSThe Federal government should take proactive steps to de-escalate tensions
and address the underlying issues. Initiating dialogue with protest organizers
and providing assurances to address their concerns.
 The Federal/State Governments should enhance security and public safety bydeploying additional personnel to protect critical infrastructure, ensure publicsafety, and prevent the hijacking of protests by criminal elements.
 The Federal/State Governments, with the support of local authorities, shouldinitiate and promote measures to improve governance, increasetransparency and enhance the responsiveness of government institutions tocitizen needs.
 The Federal/State governments should collaborate with traditional rulers
and community leaders to foster community engagement initiatives aimed
at building trust and understanding between citizens and government
institutions.
REFERENCES:
Source : WANEP National Early Warning System (NEWS) : www.wanep.org/news/ https://dailypost.ng/2024/08/02/19-killed-severalinjured-as-hoodlums-hijack-protests-in-nigeria/https://dailypost.ng/2024/08/01/two-killed-many-injured-as-protesters-set-apcsecretariat-ablaze-in-jigawa/https://dailypost.ng/2024/08/01/august-1-protest-several-protesters-reportedly-shot-dead-inniger/https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/07/tinubu-palliative-anxiety-as-740-trucks-of-rice-fail-to-arrive-moststates/https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/07/hardship-fg-distributes-740-trucks-of-rice-acrossnigeria/https://dailypost.ng/2024/08/01/endbadgovernance-protesters-storm-buharis-residence-in-dauravideo/https://dailypost.ng/2024/08/01/august-1-protest-several-protesters-reportedly-shot-dead-inniger/https://dailypost.ng/2024/08/01/protest-military-takes-over-fct-highway-as-hoodlums-unleash-violence-onmotorists/https://www.arise.tv/nigerias-planned-protest-sparks-divide-as-northern-elders-support-niger-delta-opts-out/3

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