Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has characterised the demonstrations and protests currently rocking Nigeria as politically driven attempts to force a regime change.
The protests, which have already led to almost 20 deaths, looting, and property destruction in various states, are slated to continue for ten days.
Governor Abiodun expressed his views during a Friday interview on Channels Television. He suggested that the protests are being fueled by political opponents who are dissatisfied with the outcome of the recent presidential election, which saw Bola Ahmed Tinubu emerge victorious.
“He [Tinubu] majorly won that election and that shows that those who want him to be president are far more than those who did not want him,” Abiodun stated.
He added, “The problem we have today is that Nigerians are sore losers. Rather than decide that if you want a regime change, wait till 2027. Don’t begin to sponsor faceless, leaderless protests under the guise of dissatisfaction.”
The #EndBadGovernance protests, which began on August 1, have been driven by widespread discontent over economic hardship and government policies.
The demonstrations have seen thousands take to the streets, demanding government action to address the high cost of living and other socio-economic issues.
Several incidents of violence, including deaths and looting, have marred the protests, exacerbating the already tense situation and leading to calls for the protests to end.
In Borno State, four persons were killed and curfews declared in some states in the North.
The South East and South West have largely witnessed peaceful rallies.
While the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has praised some of Tinubu’s policies, such as the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of the foreign exchange rate, these measures have yet to yield positive results for the majority of the population.
Governor Abiodun acknowledged the global nature of economic challenges, noting that similar protests have occurred in other countries.
“There was a protest in Ghana yesterday and in the UK today. The medicine for a headache is not to cut off the head,” he remarked.
The protests have elicited a range of responses from political leaders. Atiku Abubakar, a prominent opposition figure, expressed support for the protesters, urging President Tinubu to listen to the voices of the people.
Governor Abiodun called for patience and constructive engagement, urging Nigerians to work together to find solutions.
He stressed the importance of dialogue and collaboration in overcoming the current challenges. “We must work and join hands together to have a constructive dialogue, knowing that we have a responsive administration in place,” he stated.
Nigeria has a history of political and economic protests. The most notable in recent times was the EndSARS movement in 2020, which called for an end to police brutality.
That movement garnered international attention and led to some policy changes, although many activists believe more needs to be done.
The current protests, while primarily focused on economic issues, also reflect broader discontent with governance and public trust in political institutions.
The high stakes underscore the need for effective leadership and meaningful reform to address the underlying issues fueling the unrest.
