August 3, 2024
On Saturday, third day of the #endbadgoverance protest,security operatives forcibly dispersed a group of protesters that gathered in front of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, ignoring a court order that restricted the demonstration to the stadium premises.
The protesters, who were exercising their right to freedom of assembly, were tear gassed and intimidated by security personnel.
This sudden crackdown has left many demonstrators feeling frustrated and disappointed over the highhandedness of the the security personnel.
In the words of a female protester, “We just wanted to make our voices heard, but they wouldn’t let us, It’s like they’re trying to silence us, but we won’t be quiet.”
Another protester, added, “We’re not troublemakers; we just want change for a better Nigeria, but every time we try to speak out, they shut us down. It’s like our voices don’t matter.”
Even journalists were denied access by the security personnel, who asked the journalist to, “Find your way out of here. You can’t park your vehicle inside the stadium either. There is no protest here. We were told there is not going to be a protest here anymore.”
Aside contrasting the court order the action also raises questions about the attitude of security operatives.
Unlike the previous days protest against hunger and economic hardships, tension is dying down as vehicular movement and businesses are gradually picking up in the nation’s capital.
Normalcy appears to be returning, with citizens going about their daily activities.
The security personnel action at the stadium highlight concerns about the suppression of free speech and the rule of law in Nigeria.
