The ongoing protests in Jos, Plateau State, against bad governance have gained significant momentum today, with even more demonstrators joining from various parts of the state. The #EndBadGovernance movement, which began earlier yesterday, continues to attract widespread participation as citizens demand meaningful changes from their leaders.
Starting early this morning at Secretariat Junction, protesters marched to the Old Airport Junction, carrying placards and chanting slogans that call for an end to insecurity, hunger, and poor governance. The atmosphere, while charged with determination, has remained largely peaceful, with organizers emphasizing the need for non-violent expression.
The growing turnout today reflects a deepening frustration among the populace, particularly over issues related to economic hardship, security challenges, and the perceived disconnect between the government and the citizens.
In an interview with journalists, former Minister for Youths and Sports, Solomon Dalung, who was also one of the notable leaders at the protest, expressed his disappointment with the current administration. “Well, I thought the president would have saved Nigeria from the distress that the people are going through and the demonstration. But maybe due to ill advice, he thought the demonstration was not going to be possible. Even based on some of the statements of his aides and advisors, the demonstration now is real,” Dalung said.
He continued, “Nigerians that came out yesterday and today indicated that the president should listen to Nigeria. Nigerians are talking. They are saying, ‘Withdraw fuel subsidy because we are suffering. Bring it back.’ Nigerians are saying, ‘You increased electricity tariffs. It is making us poor. Withdraw it.’ Nigerians are saying, ‘We want to go fast. We want to do our businesses. There is no security. Provide security.’ Are these demands too big for the government of Nigeria? I don’t think so.”
Dalung further urged President Tinubu to heed the voices of the people. “So I am using this opportunity to reemphasize that President Tinubu should listen to Nigerians. He was employed by Nigerians. He is working for Nigerians, not working for himself. If he was able to approve 21 billion to build a house for his vice, nothing is too big for him to do. Let him raise a supplementary budget for subsidy, send it to the National Assembly, sign it, implement it so that we can leave the streets,” he stated.
Adding to the chorus of voices was Comrade Suleiman Khalid, who highlighted the unity of purpose among the protesters. “And you can see here is a mixture of both Muslims and Christians that are here to protest over their hardship, hunger, and insecurity as well that we are facing in Nigeria. So there has been a call for the president to address the nation,” Khalid said.
He emphasized the urgency of the situation: “We are calling on the president to address the nation regarding this hardship we are facing because since the inception of this government, people have been facing so many hardships. The insecurity is getting worse, the hunger is getting worse. As everybody knows, an Englishman says that a hungry man is an angry man. You can see most of these people here, they are youths. I don’t think there are people that are above 40 years here. Most of them are youths. So being youths, the backbone of the nation, they are here to protest over this hardship. And if democracy is for the people, the president should address the nation regarding this issue. Keeping mute doesn’t mean anything. It means he is bringing anarchy to the nation. He must address the nation. That’s our stand.”
Prophet Dr Isa El-buba called on the protesters to remain peaceful but determined in their demands. “We will fight for the right cause. We will not use bullets. We will not use thugs. We will use our voices to demand our rights. Are you ready for that? This is not a tea party. This is not a place where we’ve come for convenience. If it was for convenience, I wouldn’t be here. But I’ve decided to bring myself to your level. I brought my children back from Europe because I believe in the new Nigeria. We will see the new Nigeria.”
As of the time of filing this report, the protest has continued to gain traction, with more participants joining from various parts of Plateau State. The protesters have vowed to continue their demonstrations until their demands are addressed, signaling that the movement is far from over.
