As the scheduled nationwide protest set for August 1 approaches, counter-rallies have begun in Lagos and Bayelsa states, with demonstrators taking to the streets to voice their opposition.
In Lagos, protesters carried signs reading, “Say No to Protest,” showing their support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration and urging others to avoid engaging in violent protests.
The call for nationwide protests has been gaining traction on social media, with many Nigerians from all 36 states rallying for an end to poor governance in the country. In response, a counter-rally emerged on Lagos Island, where groups of people gathered to show support for the current government and discourage protests.
In Bayelsa State, the scene was similar. A large number of women participated in a rally, holding placards that read, “Say no to protest in Bayelsa.” This local demonstration is also a response to the planned nationwide protest.
Human rights lawyer Festus Ogun criticized the counter-rallies on Facebook, stating, “Hungry and jobless individuals are protesting against protests. This is outrightly ridiculous. Or, how do you see it?”
Another social media user, Ifeanyi, raised concerns about the potential for violence, noting, “One of the reasons they said Nigerians should not protest is because hoodlums might hijack the protest and end up destroying things. Therefore, they say no to protests. But today, there are some groups of people in the street, chanting ‘No to protest.’ So, are they saying hoodlums can’t hijack such a protest?”
A Twitter user, @ayemojubar, observed that the “No Protest In Lagos” event had already started on Lagos Island, but noted the absence of security personnel to prevent potential disruptions.
