In August 2024, Nigeria witnessed a nationwide protest against bad governance and economic hardship. The protests which started August 1st, 2024 have gained a lot of momentum all across the country.
International bodies like Amnesty International have also lent their voices to cautioning the government against intimidating protesters. However, not all states and their citizens have participated in the ongoing demonstrations. Here Naijassador takes a detailed look at five states that did not join the protest and the reasons behind their decisions.
1. Abia State
In Abia State, the absence of protests in the streets can be attributed to the proactive measures taken by Governor Alex Otti. Before the protest, governor Otti made a public appeal to the residents, urging them to maintain peace and avoid activities that could lead to violence or property destruction. His appeals were well-received, and as a result, major cities like Umuahia and Aba remained calm on the day of the protest. Shops and businesses were largely closed, and only a few residents were seen on the streets, indicating compliance with the governor’s call for peace. Many residents, fearing potential unrest, chose to stay indoors, and even public transportation was sparse
2. Imo State
Imo State also saw minimal participation in the nationwide protest. The streets of major cities were largely deserted, and many businesses remained closed. The state government, led by Governor Hope Uzodinma, had earlier issued statements urging residents to avoid actions that could lead to violence or disrupt public order. This governmental stance, coupled with a strong police presence, contributed to the calm observed across the state. Residents seemed to prioritize safety and order, choosing to stay home rather than join the protests.
3. Ekiti State
Ekiti State adopted a different approach in response to the protest call. Instead of taking to the streets, many residents chose a sit-at-home strategy. This passive form of protest indicated their dissatisfaction with the government while avoiding potential clashes and disturbances. The sit-at-home approach was likely influenced by local leaders and civil society groups who emphasized the importance of non-violent methods of expressing discontent. This strategy allowed residents to convey their grievances without engaging in potentially hazardous street protests.
4. Enugu State
In Enugu State, the citizens took on the sit-at-home order and did not participate in the ongoing protest. A prominent youth organization in the state known as the Enugu Innovative Youths, has been vocal about its opposition to the protests. The group’s leaders have urged the youth in the state to abstain from participating in the protests, highlighting the potential risks of violence and the possible hijacking of peaceful demonstrations by criminal elements. They emphasized the state’s ongoing positive developments under their governor particularly in job creation and infrastructure, and warned that participating in the protests could reverse these gains and plunge the state into chaos and infrastructural decay.
5. Ebonyi State
Similarly, Ebonyi State has seen efforts to maintain peace and discourage participation in the protests. Authorities and community leaders have appealed to residents to prioritize dialogue and peaceful resolution of grievances over street protests. This approach aims to prevent the destruction and violence that could disrupt the state’s relative peace and ongoing development projects.
In conclusion,
The EndBadGovernance protest in August 2024 has been a significant event, reflecting widespread discontent with the economic conditions and governance in Nigeria. However, the varied responses from different states highlight the different measures of the state to curb the emergence of the protests. Also, the citizens of these states may harbor some fears or caution as to what will be the outcome of the protests turning violent.
