Amid a wave of nationwide protests against bad governance and economic hardship in Nigeria, popular Nollywood actress, Iyabo Ojo has joined the chorus of voices speaking out.
On Thursday August 1, 2024, protests were staged in various parts of the country as citizens expressed their frustration over hunger, poor governance, and pressing socio-economic issues.
In response to the unfolding events, Iyabo Ojo shared a video on her official Instagram page, originally broadcast by Galaxy TV, showing the firing of teargas canisters at protest sites. The clip featured commentary from an off-camera individual claiming that security forces were on the offensive despite the peaceful nature of the protests.
Ojo captioned the post with a critical message: “Why are they throwing teargas? @nigeriapoliceforce? #peacefulprotest is their right.”
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The protests, organized under the hashtag of the ‘End Bad Governance’ movement, are scheduled to continue from August 1 to August 10, 2024.
The demonstrations have drawn attention to the worsening economic conditions and high cost of living in the country. In response, the government has deployed hundreds of police officers in Abuja and other states, aiming to maintain order and prevent any potential violence.
However, human rights organizations have condemned these actions, stressing the importance of upholding the right to peaceful protest.
Tensions flared in various locations, including Lagos, where a clash occurred in Ojota between protesters advocating for economic relief and individuals supporting the government. Meanwhile, in Ibadan, the Oyo State Coalition Against Hardship, led by Comrade Akeem Lawal, peacefully protested the current economic challenges. Similarly, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and Kano, protesters took to the streets to voice their discontent.
The protests have sparked widespread concern among government officials, who are advocating for patience and constructive dialogue to address the issues raised by the demonstrators. The situation remains fluid, with citizens and civil society groups continuing to call for accountability and reform.