Thugs disrupted a planned protest in Port Harcourt during Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day celebrations on Tuesday, October 1, 2024.
The protest, organized as part of the #EndBadGovernance movement and the #FearlessInOctober demonstration, aimed to address the worsening economic situation in the country.
The protesters initially gathered at the Port Harcourt Pleasure Park but were met by cane-wielding hoodlums who took control of the grounds, declaring that no protests would be allowed in Rivers State. The thugs threatened to beat up any journalist attempting to document or film their activities.
One of the protest organizers, in a WhatsApp conversation, revealed that the group had decided to relocate their gathering to the Rumuokwuta flyover, but thugs also gathered there to disrupt the event. The planned demonstrations were intended to protest against President Bola Tinubu’s administration, particularly the petrol subsidy removal and forex unification policies, which the protesters claim have caused inflation to soar and increased the cost of living for millions of Nigerians.
Similar protests are being held in other cities across the country, including Lagos and Abuja, as Nigeria marked its 64th year of independence. Despite the disruptions, protest organizers and demonstrators remain committed to voicing their opposition to the current economic policies and their impacts on everyday citizens.
The protests have gained significant attention, with many Nigerians calling for a review of the policies that have contributed to economic hardship since the start of the Tinubu administration.
The demonstrators’ demands include a reversal of the policies and more support for Nigerians facing rising living costs. Meanwhile, the threat of violence from thugs continues to pose challenges for those organizing peaceful protests across the country.
