Organizers of the #EndBadGovernance protest have declared a three-day period of mourning in honor of demonstrators killed by police and security forces. The mourning period will begin on Wednesday, August 7, and conclude on Friday, August 9, with a public symposium and candlelight procession.
During a closed-door meeting held on Tuesday, August 6, protest leaders called for Nigerians to observe the mourning period by wearing black, updating their social media profiles with movement graphics, and participating in the scheduled collective actions.
The protest leaders expressed frustration with the Lagos State government and police, accusing them of failing to protect the right of peaceful assembly. They cited recent incidents where state-sponsored thugs attacked protesters under police supervision, leading to injuries and theft of personal belongings.
“The police and thugs are clearly working together to suppress our voices,” the organizers stated. They demanded a public apology from the police and the return of stolen valuables.
The organizers also criticized President Tinubu, accusing him of attempting to divide the country to maintain power. They reported that over 40 protesters, primarily from the North, have been killed, and hundreds have been detained. They called for the immediate release of detained activists, including National Coordinator of the Youth Rights Campaign (YRC) Adaramoye Michael Lenin and Babatunde Oluajo.
The protest leaders demanded the immediate dismissal of the Inspector General of Police and the establishment of a public probe into the violence and killings during the protests.
“We oppose the senseless killings of our brothers and sisters protesting hunger and hardship. These three days of mourning are a testament to our solidarity and commitment to justice,” the organizers declared.
They urged the Lagos State Commissioner of Police to respect their right to mourn and continue their peaceful protests.
The statement was signed by Hassan Taiwo Soweto, Ayoyinka Oni, and Oloye Adegboyega Adeniji on behalf of the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria Organizing Committee.