As the planned nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest gains momentum, organisers have remained resolute in their intention to take to the streets on August 1.
Mobilisation and organisation efforts have been vigorous on social media platforms, particularly X.
The protests are being organised by various groups, including the Take It Back Movement led by former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, along with Concerned Nigerians, Nigerians Against Hunger, Initiative for Change, Revolution Now, Human Rights Co-Advocacy Group, Nigerians Against Corruption Initiative, Citizens for Change Advocacy Initiative, Timely Intervention, Active Citizens Group, Students for Change, We Coalition, Total Intervention, Refurbished Nigeria, Tomorrow Today, Our Future in Our Own Hands Initiative, Youths Against Tyranny, and Call a Spade a Spade Movement, among others.
The protesters have outlined several specific demands:
Reversal of the Fuel Price Hike:
- Protesters demand that the fuel price be reduced to below N300 per litre.
Affordable Electricity Tariffs:
- Restore electricity tariffs to affordable levels.
Reduction of Import Duties:
- Revert import duties to their previous rates to alleviate economic burdens.
Reversal of Tertiary Education Fee Hikes:
- Protesters call for the reduction of increased fees in tertiary institutions.
Transparency and Accountability in Governance:
- Public disclosure and reduction of public officials’ salaries and allowances.
- Establish an emergency fund to support SMEs.
Electoral Reforms:
- Ensure the autonomy of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
- Implement electronic transmission of live electoral results.
- Reopen national borders.
Reform of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC):
- Address and eliminate corruption within the EFCC.
State of Emergency on Inflation:
- Implement measures to curb inflation and stabilize the economy.
Judicial Reforms:
- Ensure swift and fair justice through thorough judicial reforms.
Public School Mandates:
Mandate that children of all public office holders attend public schools in the country.
Support for Local Products:
Require the government to patronize made-in-Nigeria goods.
Transition to a Unicameral Legislature:
Abolish the Senate and retain the House of Representatives to make laws on a part-time basis.
Corruption-Free Subsidy Regime:
Reinstate a corruption-free subsidy regime to reduce hunger, starvation, and poverty.
Probe past and present Nigerian leaders who have looted the treasury, recover their loot, and reinvest it.
Restructure Nigeria:
Accommodate diversity through resource control, decentralization, and regional development.
Reform security agencies to stop human rights violations and enhance citizens’ physical security.
Special Energy Fund:
Establish a Special Energy Fund for power sector development.
Reconstitute INEC:
Remove corrupt and partisan officials from INEC.
Investment in Public Works and Industrialisation:
Create job opportunities for Nigerian youths through public works and industrialisation.
Judicial Shake-Up:
Remove corrupt judges and officers to ensure real justice for citizens.
Diaspora Voting:
Introduce voting rights for Nigerians living abroad.
As the protesters prepare to hit the streets, they remain steadfast in their demands for comprehensive reforms aimed at addressing the economic and social challenges facing the nation.