Millions set to protest Tinubu’s tyranny on democracy day June 12

DDM News

Nigerians are gearing up for another round of nationwide protests under the banner of the #EndBadGovernance movement.

According to reports from Naija News, the protests are scheduled to take place across all 36 states on June 12, a date significant as Democracy Day in Nigeria.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the protests aim to challenge the federal government’s economic policies, which organizers argue have plunged citizens deeper into hardship and insecurity.

At a press briefing held in Lagos on Thursday, movement leader Hassan Soweto condemned President Bola Tinubu’s administration, stating that its economic reforms have devastated the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

Soweto accused the government of intensifying suffering through the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the naira exchange rate, policies he described as reckless and anti-poor.

“The removal of the oil subsidy and the naira devaluation have asphyxiated the national economy,” Soweto said.

He claimed that these moves have directly contributed to worsening poverty, unemployment, and inflation levels across the country.

According to Soweto, millions of Nigerians can no longer afford basic necessities, while businesses are collapsing under the weight of surging costs.

He described the economic direction of the current government as a disaster and insisted that the masses have been betrayed.

Soweto further denounced what he called the administration’s “neo-liberal agenda”, saying it only benefits a few at the top while the majority sink into despair.

“The Tinubu-led government has launched anti-poor economic policies without any safety net for the most vulnerable,” he declared.

Beyond economic grievances, the activist expressed alarm at what he called the “abuse of democratic freedoms” in the country.

He alleged that the Tinubu administration has been actively shrinking the civic space, restricting freedom of expression, and criminalizing peaceful dissent.

According to him, Nigeria now resembles a dictatorship disguised as a democracy.

“Nigerians are living more or less like enslaved citizens,” Soweto said.

He lamented the erosion of constitutional rights, noting that many of the freedoms won during the struggles against military rule have been systematically eroded.

Soweto pointed to increasing cases of police intimidation, unlawful arrests, and clampdowns on civic organizations as evidence of this troubling trend.

He warned that Nigeria’s democratic foundations are being quietly dismantled under the current regime.

In light of these concerns, the movement is mobilizing thousands of citizens to take to the streets on June 12, hoping to revive public consciousness and demand accountability.

The protests are expected to be non-violent, with organizers urging participants to carry placards, banners, and letters of demands.

Soweto called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, to cooperate with the demonstrators.

He stressed that the right to peaceful assembly is guaranteed under Nigeria’s Constitution, and law enforcement authorities must respect this right.

Soweto also encouraged the media, civil society, students, and labor unions to lend their voices to what he described as a critical struggle to “reclaim Nigeria for the people.”

He warned that if the current economic and political trajectory continues unchecked, the country could witness deeper unrest and instability in the near future.

The #EndBadGovernance movement has grown in recent years, evolving from a social media campaign into a grassroots-driven coalition demanding reform in governance, transparency, and justice.

June 12, chosen for the protests, marks the anniversary of Nigeria’s return to civilian rule, a symbolic reminder of the sacrifices made by many for democracy.

By staging demonstrations on this date, the movement aims to expose the contradictions between democratic ideals and the lived realities of citizens under the current government.

Soweto’s statements reflect growing frustration among citizens, particularly young people and workers, who say they are being left behind by the administration’s market-driven policies.

Critics argue that instead of implementing inclusive reforms, the government is implementing policies dictated by international financial institutions without considering the local consequences.

In the buildup to the protests, #EndBadGovernance has launched a widespread online mobilization campaign, encouraging Nigerians to join street actions in their respective states.

Posters, flyers, and social media content have been circulating under hashtags like #June12Protest, #EndPovertyNow, and #RescueNigeria.

Observers note that security agencies are likely to monitor the protests closely, especially in major cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt.

Some fear that the government might attempt to clamp down on the protests or disrupt their organization using security or legal measures.

Nonetheless, organizers insist that the protest will go ahead as planned, even if authorities attempt to suppress it.

In the face of rising inflation, declining purchasing power, and eroded civil liberties, they believe Nigerians have no choice but to speak out.

Whether the protests will influence policy or lead to dialogue between the government and civil society remains to be seen.

But for now, the #EndBadGovernance movement is determined to reclaim the democratic space and make the voices of ordinary Nigerians heard loud and clear on June 12.

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