The second day of the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests witnessed a significant turnout and notable incidents across various parts of Nigeria.
In Lagos, protesters gathered outside the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park in Ojota, where police urged them to maintain calm and avoid blocking the roads.
The police presence was notably heavy, and the number of protesters was lower compared to the previous day at the Ikeja Underbridge. Despite the reduced numbers, businesses across the state saw an increase in activity.
In Port Harcourt, demonstrators assembled at Pleasure Park to continue their protest, as reported by Channels TV.
The protests in Abuja saw significant activity on the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Expressway, known as Airport Road, with more cars and commercial taxis visible than on the first day of the protest.
Tensions rose at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park in Lagos when residents opposed to the protests clashed with demonstrators, demanding that the protest be moved off Ikorodu Road and held inside the park.
The Assistant Commissioner of Police in Lagos, Paul Okafor, addressed the protesters, thanking them for their peaceful conduct and urging them to relocate inside the park to prevent traffic obstruction. However, the protesters refused, continuing their demonstrations on the road.
In the Gwagwalada area of Abuja, security forces clashed with protesters who had barricaded the Lokoja-Abuja Expressway, blocking vehicular movement. Several motorists reported damage to their cars in the area around Dagiri, Wazobia Park, and SDP Junction. Protesters held an emergency press conference at Gani Fawehinmi Park in Lagos, expressing concerns over potential disruptions by hoodlums. Hassan-Taiwo Soweto, the National Coordinator of the Education Rights Campaign (ERC), reported that one protester was injured and four others were arrested on Thursday along Oregun Road. Though they were released, Mr. Soweto criticized the police’s actions, stating they contradicted their claims of protection.
In Lagos, the Commissioner of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, addressed the media at Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park. The police had set up roadblocks to prevent protesters from marching beyond designated areas, notably blocking access to the Central Business District. The police dispersed the protesters with rounds of teargas and managed to push them back towards Moshood Abiola Stadium. Despite the initial setback, many protesters regrouped at the stadium. Some participants accused security forces of firing live ammunition, although this claim remains unverified.
As evening approached, the crowd began dispersing from Moshood Abiola Stadium, marching towards the Federal Secretariat and the Abuja City Gate, escorted by security forces. During the procession, protesters sang the old National Anthem, symbolizing their demand for change and reform in the nation’s governance.
