#EndBadGovernance Protest: US, UK, Canada Warn Citizens Against Movement In Nigeria
The government of the United Kingdom, the United States of America and Canada have issued fresh security alerts to their citizens in Nigeria ahead of the planned #EndBadGovernance protests across Nigeria scheduled to commence on Thursday, August 1, 2024.
Nigerians and the government are squaring up for showdown over and unprecedented hardship and food crises that has seen millions of Nigerians fall into abject poverty and hunger.
Reacting through separate travel advisories, the three leading Western countries and Nigeria’s strategic diplomatic allies advised their citizens in all part of Nigeria to shelve all non-essential movements pending when the coast clears on the response of the government and the protesters.
Protests in Nigeria are prone to violence as security operatives usually resort to use of live ammunitions to disperse protesters.
The 2020 #EndSars protests against police brutality and extra-judicial killings snowballed into violence that led to killing of several young protesters in Lekki area of Lagos State. The three countries cautioned their citizens to avoid areas where confrontations between security agencies and protesters might occur, citing historical precedent
In their security advisory, the US mission in Nigeria alerted its nationals saying that, “According to media reports, nationwide protests may occur in Nigeria between July 29th and August 5th, 2024. Based on past occurrences, protests may involve roadblocks, checkpoints, traffic congestion, and physical confrontations. No specific times or locations have been identified for potential protests at this time.”
The mission further urged all Americans in Nigeria to, “Monitor local media for updates, Avoid crowds, Avoid demonstrations, Be aware of your surroundings, Review your personal security plans and keep your cell phone charged in case of emergency and to Carry proper identification.”
Also, the UK High Commission alerted its nationals that protests could occur between July 29 and August 10 in major cities like Abuja and Lagos. The advisory reads, “Political rallies, protests and violent demonstrations can take place with little notice. Get advice on areas to avoid. Take care if you’re visiting crowded public places or attending events which attract large crowds. If you see a threatening or intimidating situation, do not try to make your way through it. Turn around and move to safety.”
In the same vein, the Canadian government also alerted its citizens on the impending protests cautioning them to expect disruptions in traffic and public transportation and warning that protests could become violent unexpectedly. According to the travel alert, “Nationwide demonstrations are planned between July 29 to August 5, 2024. They could disrupt traffic and public transportation and could turn violent at any time.”
The Federal Government of Nigeria and state governments, have, however, been holding meetings with security agencies interest groups and traditional rulers in a bid to stop the protests. President Bola Tinubu and several All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders have been working to thwart the protests. Last week, an aide of the President, Bayo Onanuga had accused the supporters of the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Mr. Peter of being behind the planned protest. An accusation, Obi and his supporters as well as the Labour Party denied vehemently.