The ongoing #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests escalated at Eagles Square today, as demonstrators voiced their frustrations by shouting “hunger dey” as the Minister of State for Youths Development, Ayodele Olawande, attempted to address them.
The minister, who arrived to engage with the protesters, was initially met with resistance and chants that drowned out his efforts to speak. Demonstrators expressed their dissatisfaction with the current state of governance and economic hardship, stating their demands for immediate reforms.
After successfully calming the crowd, Minister Olawande clarified his stance, emphasizing his solidarity with the protesters. “I’m not here to fight you, I’m not here to ask you not to protest, it is your right. Like I said, I’ve been to over 100-500 protests,” he stated, attempting to align himself with the demonstrators’ cause.
In a gesture aimed at building trust, the minister promised to address the concerns regarding police actions, specifically the recent incidents involving the shooting of canisters at protesters.
Despite the minister’s efforts, protesters have chosen to remain at Eagles Square, rejecting the call to join others at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.
They referenced a recent parallel protest held at the stadium that proceeded without police interference, reinforcing their decision to stay put.
