The highly anticipated #EndBadGovernance protest has commenced in numerous cities across the country, bringing economic activities to a grinding halt.
From Abuja to Abeokuta, Port Harcourt to Lagos State, banks and businesses have closed their doors, while roads are eerily deserted as protesters ignore last-ditch efforts by authorities to quell the demonstrations.
In Kaduna, typically bustling roads are now empty and deserted, as protesters take to the streets to voice their discontent over dire living conditions.
The iconic Ahmadu Bello Way, usually a hub of economic activity in the heart of Kaduna’s Central Business District, lies deserted, devoid of its usual vehicular and human traffic.
The stark contrast to a typical day is palpable, as the protests cast a shadow over the nation’s economic landscape.
Public transportation systems are operating at reduced capacity because most commuters are staying indoors apparently due to fear.
In the Sokoto metropolis, there is a heavy security presence. It is the same thing in Damaturu the Yobe State capital. Residents of the area have shunned the protest.
At the proposed protest venue in Bauchi, opposite the School of Agriculture in Yelwan Labourer, there are no protesters as of now. Security personnel are on the ground to ensure the safety of lives and properties. The streets in Kano are empty while shops around the area are heavily guarded. But at the Zoo Road area in Kano State, people are chanting “Mu yunwa muke ji” meaning “we are hungry”.
In Lagos State, a group of protesters are rallying against the demonstrations. They were in the Alausa area of the state but security operatives told them that the place is not designated for protest. At the Ikeja Underbridge, there is a procession. They are marching from Ikeja Underbridge, en route to Alausa despite orders against street protest.
At the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja. The protesters (numbering about 50) are gathered at the entrance of the facility.
Among the protesters are members of the “Enough Is Enough” group. One of the co-convener, Deji Adeyanju says security officials have been cooperative so far with them.
There is a sizeable deployment of security personnel at the stadium, comprising police, army, and others.
