The world is watching the #EndBadGovernance protests

By John Egbeazien Oshodi

The peaceful and faith-driven response of the #EndBadGovernance protesters, particularly the symbolic Sunday service in Jos, serves as a powerful reminder of the moral and ethical underpinnings of their struggle. As they turn to a higher power for justice, the protesters highlight the profound spiritual and moral dimensions of their cause.
The recent national broadcast by President Bola Tinubu on August 4, 2024, in response to the escalating #EndBadGovernance protests, has underscored a distressing lack of empathy and understanding from the government towards its citizens. As protests gain momentum across the nation, driven by economic despair and systemic mismanagement, the administration’s response has been alarmingly inadequate and defensive. This analysis seeks to highlight the critical failures of President Tinubu’s address and the broader implications for Nigeria’s democratic fabric and international standing.
Before the protests even erupted, Mr. President, you devoted considerable time and resources to convening traditional chiefs, religious leaders, security and police chiefs, and ministers in a series of backroom deals and manipulative strategies aimed at stifling dissent. Instead of using that critical period to address the mounting frustrations of your citizens through open and direct dialogue, you chose to employ underhanded tactics to undermine the very voices that now cry out in desperation. Your focus on circumventing the protests through covert influence and intimidation only served to highlight your administration’s disregard for genuine engagement. Now, as the protests reach a boiling point, your belated and superficial response stands as a stark reminder of your failure to act with empathy and foresight. This glaring negligence not only exposes a profound lack of leadership but also underscores a deep-seated failure to honor the democratic principles of open communication and accountability.
In what was meant to be a conciliatory address, President Tinubu’s speech was markedly devoid of the empathy and compassion necessary to resonate with a nation in turmoil. While he briefly acknowledged the tragic loss of lives and property, his remarks lacked the heartfelt sincerity required to comfort a grieving populace. Instead, the speech exuded an authoritarian tone, urging unity and the cessation of protests without offering any meaningful engagement or dialogue with the citizens. This approach is not only tone-deaf but also dismissive of the legitimate grievances expressed by the protesters, who feel increasingly marginalized and unheard by those in power.
At the heart of the #EndBadGovernance protests lies the deep-seated economic hardship experienced by millions of Nigerians. The government’s recent policies, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies and the consolidation of foreign exchange systems, have exacerbated the suffering of the populace. President Tinubu’s defense of these measures, emphasizing potential long-term fiscal stability, starkly contrasts with the immediate reality of skyrocketing inflation, unemployment, and the unaffordability of basic necessities. By focusing on future benefits, the President failed to acknowledge the present economic pain and desperation felt by ordinary Nigerians, thus missing a critical opportunity to address the root causes of the unrest.
The speech further fell short in providing concrete solutions for immediate economic relief. While President Tinubu spoke at length about fiscal improvements and upcoming infrastructure projects, these long-term initiatives do little to alleviate the current financial strain on households. The absence of immediate support measures, such as targeted subsidies or emergency aid, underscores a profound disconnect between the administration’s priorities and the urgent needs of its citizens. This failure to provide timely assistance has only deepened the sense of despair and hopelessness among the population, fueling further dissent and unrest.
President Tinubu’s call for the suspension of protests and the initiation of dialogue could have been a pivotal moment for reconciliation. However, the manner in which this call was delivered—more as a directive than an invitation—has further alienated those seeking genuine engagement with the government. By not acknowledging the legitimacy of the protesters’ grievances and failing to propose an inclusive platform for discussion, the administration has squandered a vital opportunity to build trust and foster a collaborative approach to problem-solving. This lack of openness and transparency not only erodes public confidence in the government’s willingness to listen but also exacerbates the divide between the state and its citizens.
A particularly glaring omission in President Tinubu’s address was the failure to confront the violent crackdown on peaceful protesters by security forces. Nobel laureate Professor Wole Soyinka has criticized the administration for its heavy-handed response, highlighting the use of live ammunition and tear gas against unarmed demonstrators. The brutal tactics employed by the police, reminiscent of colonial-era repression, are deeply troubling and raise serious human rights concerns. The administration’s silence on these abuses suggests an implicit endorsement of state violence, which is not only morally reprehensible but also counterproductive in a democratic society.
The President’s speech appeared to endorse the existing governmental structure, which has been widely criticized for its inefficacy and failure to address the needs of the populace. Rather than offering innovative solutions or acknowledging the system’s shortcomings, President Tinubu’s remarks seemed to defend the status quo, aligning with a regime perceived as corrupt and unresponsive. This alignment with a failing system is seen as deeply inhumane and defensive, betraying a lack of genuine concern for the welfare of the people and a refusal to recognize the urgent need for systemic reform.
In a powerful display of peaceful resistance, protesters in Jos chose to hold a Sunday service at the protest ground on August 4, 2024. This interfaith gathering, which saw both Christians and Muslims coming together in solidarity, was a poignant testament to the deep moral and ethical convictions driving the #EndBadGovernance movement. Despite the state’s attempts at intimidation, the protesters’ peaceful and faith-driven approach underscored their commitment to non-violence and justice. By turning to a higher power, they expressed their profound pain and desire for divine intervention, highlighting the spiritual and moral dimensions of their struggle.
The international community, including organizations like the United Nations and human rights watchdogs, must take urgent notice of the situation in Nigeria. According to a report by Chinedu Asadu in the Los Angeles Times, at least nine people have been killed by security forces during the protests. These fatalities, alongside reports of bombings and mass arrests, paint a grim picture of a country in crisis. Amnesty International has corroborated these findings, condemning the deliberate and lethal tactics used by security personnel. The international community must hold the Nigerian government accountable for these human rights violations and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

Professor John Egbeazien Oshodi is an American-based police and prison scientist, forensic psychologist, public policy psychologist, and legal psychologist