#EndBadGovernance: Near normalcy returns to Abuja as protests slow down

1 month ago 37

The president appealed to protesters to end the demonstration and dialogue with the government.

The fourth day of the nationwide protests started slowly in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, on Sunday as near normalcy returned to the city.

From 10 a.m. on Sunday, PREMIUM TIMES moved from the Umaru Musa Yar’adua highway, popularly known as Airport Road, through the Moshood Abiola Stadium to Area 1, Area 10 and to the Three Arms Zone where the Eagle Square is located.

Though many of the streets are still deserted, more commuters and commercial vehicles were seen than during the first three days of the protest.

At the Moshood Abiola Stadium, only a handful of protesters were sighted hanging around the premises around 10:40 a.m. A few trucks of police officers were also seen at the stadium.

Sunday’s low turnout of protesters may be attributed to fatigue, religious activities, or President Bola Tinubu‘s address earlier in the day.

The president appealed to protesters to end the demonstration and dialogue with the government.

However, some Nigerians, including Omoyele Sowore, one of the protest organisers, asked Nigerians to occupy Eagles Square on Monday.

Article Page with Financial Support Promotion

Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it.

PREMIUM TIMES delivers fact-based journalism for Nigerians, by Nigerians — and our community of supporters, the readers who donate, make our work possible. Help us bring you and millions of others in-depth, meticulously researched news and information.

It’s essential to acknowledge that news production incurs expenses, and we take pride in never placing our stories behind a prohibitive paywall.

Will you support our newsroom with a modest donation to help maintain our commitment to free, accessible news?

A controversial ex parte order of the FCT High Court had restricted protesters to the MKO Abiola Stadium. For the first two days of the protest, protesters were tear-gassed when they left the stadium for Eagles Square.

On the third day, however, police shot at unarmed protesters and journalists at the stadium, using tear gas and live bullets. Many people sustained injuries in the melee.

The protesters had announced that the protest would be held daily until 10 October.

Govt wants protest suspended

In his Sunday broadcast to Nigerians, President Bola Tinubu urged the the suspension of protests and asked protesters to embrace dialogue.

The president also reeled out policies his government has put in place to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians.

Audience Survey

READ ALSO: #EndBadGovernanceIn Nigeria Protests (Day 4)

He also condemned the destruction of properties and loss of lives in places like Kano and Kaduna. He commiserated with the families who lost their loved ones.

The president, however, kept mum on the security agencies’ attack on journalists and unarmed protesters.



Support PREMIUM TIMES' journalism of integrity and credibility

At Premium Times, we firmly believe in the importance of high-quality journalism. Recognizing that not everyone can afford costly news subscriptions, we are dedicated to delivering meticulously researched, fact-checked news that remains freely accessible to all.

Whether you turn to Premium Times for daily updates, in-depth investigations into pressing national issues, or entertaining trending stories, we value your readership.

It’s essential to acknowledge that news production incurs expenses, and we take pride in never placing our stories behind a prohibitive paywall.

Would you consider supporting us with a modest contribution on a monthly basis to help maintain our commitment to free, accessible news? 

Make Contribution




TEXT AD: Call Willie - +2348098788999






PT Mag Campaign AD

Visit Source