The #EndBadGovernance protesters on Thursday refused to go into the approved venue – Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ojota.
They told the Commissioner of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, that the place was not safe for their gathering.
Instead, the protesters gathered outside the park, blocking the service lane.
The protest started with about 15 people around 9am; they were later joined by fellow protesters who marched from Ikeja.
Security agencies including the Lagos State Police, Task Force, Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Nigeria Civil Defence and Security Corps, soldiers were stationed round the protest point as well as the approved venue – Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park.
However, about two hours after, some artisans were seen cutting the weed inside the park in a bid to make it conducive for the protesters.
Prior to the arrival of the CP Fayoade, anti-hunger protesters emerged.
They confronted the pro-hunger protesters to go and protest in their various states, adding that they won’t allow them to destroy Lagos as they did during the #EndSARS.
The security agencies prevented what could have turned to violence between them.
Joseph Amadi, Convener of Citizen Action and Accountable Initiative, said the protest was aimed to ensure that Nigeria has constant electricity and to overcome the curent economic hardship.
He also applauded the cordial relationship extended to the protesters by the security agencies at the venue.
The protesters stationed beside Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park playing and dancing to different songs.
The ptotesters called on the Federal government to address the economic hardship in the country.
Carrying placards with inscription – “This suffering is too much,” We are hungry, No future for future generations and Revise electricity tariff now, ” among others.
While chanting solidarity songs, they said: “We are tired of everything. We cannot afford three square meals. We are appealing to all authorities; we appeal to National Assembly too. Democratic institutions are crippled. We are dying in this nation. This is not the Nigeria of our dreams; we are suffering, we are in troubled times. We are tired of being labeled the most corrupt country in the world.”
There was light vehicular traffic as commercial vehicles and other private vehicles moved freely. Residents too went about their businesses in orderly manner.
Police patrol vehicles were seen as they patrolled at regular intervals.
Heavily armed policemen and security operatives were also seen around the axis to maintain law and order.
CP Fayoade assured the public of their safety, emphasizing the role of security forces in protecting peaceful protesters from hoodlums seeking to hijack the demonstration.
“You have the right to protest, but we will not allow hoodlums to hijack and turn the protest to violent,” Fayoade stated.
Joseph Amadi, a legal practitioner and leader of the Ojota protest, stressed the importance of cooperation between protesters and security operative personnel. He urged demonstrators to remain peaceful and law-abiding.
“Our goal is to convey our message without resorting to violence. Let’s work together with the security forces to ensure our voices are heard without any incident,” Amadi said.
The protesters promised to continue tomorrow (today). They organisers said they’ve invited musicians to entertain the gathering.
