By Danjuma Lamido
In most African countries, the relationship between the states and citizens is fragile.
Engaging in violent conflict by different segments of the state as a means of registering discontent with bad governance has become a perennial occurrence.
Such socio-political conflicts in Nigeria are wrongly profiled or tagged as ethnic conflict and have heightened the trust deficit among different ethnic groups that make up the Nigerian plural state.
These conflicts have also exposed the state‘s lack of capacity to deal with past and recurrent complex security and conflict matters in a plural society.
No fewer than 30 people were killed in Nigeria during 1st August 2024, nationwide protests against the rising cost of living and bad governance. Thousands of protestors have held demonstrations in several Nigerian cities.
The protests began across Nigeria in States such as Lagos, Kaduna, Kano, Gombe Jigawa, Bornu, and the capital, Abuja, but turned violent after a counter protest came up on the same date.
On March 31st, 2025, I came across a banner from the politically motivated “Take It Back Movement ” calling for a “Nationwide Protest Against Bad Governance And Free Speech Suppression.”
Those who witnessed the 1 August 2024 protest will never encourage another “Nationwide Protest Against Bad Governance And Free Speech Suppression.”
The proposed protest must be stopped because there are credible threats of violence from counter-protesters or extremist groups. It is on record that similar events in the past have led to violence where no fewer than 30 people lost their lives.
There is potential harm to participants and the public due to the rally’s location, timing and expected turnout. Also, there is significant opposition from the local community that raises concerns about safety and potential conflict.
I recalled that it is the same “The Take It Back Movement” that led the EndBadGovernance nationwide protest, which resulted in the wanton loss of lives and properties, and the Government is yet to recover from these losses.
The End Bad Governance protests were marked by violent clashes, vandalism, and looting across Nigeria, particularly in the North, leading to heavy-handed security responses, including tear gas, curfews, clampdowns, and military interventions.
This is the time for the Nigeria police to put a stop to the proposed “Nationwide Protest Against Bad Governance And Free Speech Suppression” by the politically motivated “The Take It Back Movement.”
If the protest is allowed, it may lead to injuries and loss of lives for both protesters and law enforcement, as well as bystanders. The protest may result in vandalism, arson, and destruction of properties, impacting businesses and communities.
There is no doubt the “Nationwide Protest Against Bad Governance And Free Speech Suppression” will disrupt normal activities, affecting transportation, commerce, and public services in the affected States. Also, businesses will suffer losses due to damage, theft, and decreased patronage during and after protests, which will have broader economic implications for the country.
The Nigeria police should know that if underlying issues are not addressed, the “Nationwide Protest Against Bad Governance And Free Speech Supression” protests can lead to ongoing instability and further protests, creating a cycle of unrest.
Understanding these consequences is crucial for the Nigeria police to urgently stop the “Nationwide Protest Against Bad Governance And Free Speech Suppression,” as a stitch in time saves nine.
Danjuma Lamido is the Director of Publicity, Integrity Youth Alliance and writes from Kano State.Â
