Tension mounts as Tinubu fails to address #EndBadGovernance protesters' demands within 10-day ultimatum

The 10-day ultimatum given to President Bola Tinubu to address the demands of the #EndBadGovernance protesters has expired, leaving the nation in a state of tension and uncertainty.

Government-sponsored broadcasts had attempted to discourage citizens against protesting, warning that the effort “would be hijacked by hoodlums” and “endanger the lives of Nigerians.”

The protesters, who took to the streets to demand an end to bad governance, corruption, and economic hardship, had given the government a 10-day window to respond to their demands. However, as the deadline passed, the government's silence has only fueled the protesters' determination and frustration.

Demonstrators argued that there was no indication from Nigeria’s political elite that they understand the issues of ordinary Nigerians and demanded a reversal of a set of economic reforms that President Tinubu implemented last year.

The #EndBadGovernance protests, which began on August 1, 2024, have been marked by widespread demonstrations, marches, and rallies across the country.

At least 13 protesters across Nigeria have been killed by security forces, according to rights group Amnesty International. Civil rights groups have condemned widespread internet disruptions following demonstrations. Network providers blamed vandalism to underground cables, but citizens believe a blockade was put in place to disrupt organized marches.

The protesters, comprising mostly young Nigerians, have been calling for an end to the country's economic woes, corruption, and bad governance. They have also demanded accountability, transparency, and good leadership from the government.

Despite the government's initial response, which included the deployment of security forces to quell the protests, the demonstrators have remained resolute and peaceful.

However, as the 10-day ultimatum expired, the protesters have begun to mobilize for more intense actions, including a nationwide strike and mass civil disobedience.

"We gave the government 10 days to respond to our demands, but they have chosen to ignore us," said a spokesperson for the protesters. "We will not be silenced or intimidated. We will continue to protest until our demands are met."

The government's failure to address the protesters' demands has been attributed to a lack of political will and a disconnect from the people.

Many Nigerians feel that the government is out of touch with their needs and concerns, and that the protests are a manifestation of this disconnect.

"The government needs to understand that the protests are not just about the economy or corruption, but about the future of Nigeria," said a political analyst.

"The protesters are demanding a better Nigeria, and the government needs to respond to this demand."

As the situation continues to unfold, there are fears of a possible escalation of violence and chaos. The government has been accused of using heavy-handed tactics to suppress the protests, including the use of tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition.

However, the protesters have vowed to remain peaceful, despite the government's actions.

"We will not be provoked into violence," said the spokesperson. "We will continue to protest peacefully until our demands are met."

The international community has also begun to take notice of the situation in Nigeria, with many countries and organizations calling for restraint and dialogue.

The United Nations has issued a statement urging the government to respect the protesters' rights and to engage in meaningful dialogue.

The United Nations’ Department of Safety and Security issued a warning that planned protests in Nigeria could be hijacked by groups with ulterior motives. The Cable reports that in a security assessment dated July 19, the UN expressed concerns about potential violence during upcoming protests in Nigeria, highlighting past incidents where similar demonstrations had turned volatile.

It reads: “Recall that in the 13–16 February 2023 interval, tensions generated by the paucity of new Naira currency (financial crisis) reached high levels amongst the civilian population, which materialized in violent protests in the South-East and South-South regions of Nigeria, in the states of Akwa Ibom, Delta, Edo, Imo, Kwara, Lagos, Ondo, Ogun, Oyo, and Rivers.

“During the civil unrest in the different states, several bank branches and ATM points were vandalized, and major roads were blocked.

“As the turnout for the ’10 days of rage’ protest is expected to be high, large-scale disruptions to normal economic and social activities cannot be discounted.”

The threat assessment also indicated that clashes between government supporters and dissenting groups cannot be ruled out from late July through August 10–15.

“While acknowledging the economic hardship in the country, some organisations and leaders of ethnic groups (especially in South-South and South-East) were discouraging participation in any of the 1–10 August protests (E.g. Ọhanaeze Ndigbo, a socio-cultural organisation in Nigeria, claiming to represent the interests of all Igbos).

Tinubu, a former Lagos governor, had inherited an economy near collapse. In defense of his reforms, he cited several new actions taken to address hardship, including the relaunch of a $70 million youth investment fund, the creation of grants for businesses, and a recent minimum wage increase from N30,000 (about $20) per month to N70,000 ($45) per month. But that wage increase is less than the cost of a 50-kilogram bag of rice—a staple in Nigeria that has seen its price rise from averages around N32,000 in February to N90,000 in August due to record headline inflation of nearly 35 per cent. The government has announced that it would sell bags of rice at half price to civil servants in a further attempt to prevent marches.

Tinubu’s business-friendly reforms are welcomed by foreign investors and multinationals, several of whom had exited the country in recent years, but others argue that they have exacerbated endemic poverty and insecurity, particularly in the north.

As the tension mounts, Nigerians are left wondering what the future holds. Will the government respond to the protesters' demands, or will the situation escalate in the near future?