As the #EndBadGovernance protest approaches, tensions have escalated over the choice of Eagle Square in Abuja as the primary venue for the demonstrations.
The Take It Back Movement (TIB), one of the leading groups behind the protest, insists that Eagle Square, a public property, should be available for the peaceful gathering of “hungry Nigerian youths” to express their dissatisfaction with current economic conditions and governance.
Damilare Adenola, the Director of Mobilisation for TIB, stated that the economic situation, rising prices, and inflation exacerbated by the government’s removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of foreign exchange rates, prompted the protest.
Adenola stated that the protest is driven by widespread hardship and that the participants, primarily struggling young Nigerians, have a legitimate right to voice their grievances.
News About Nigeria reported that the group officially requested access to Eagle Square in a letter addressed to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
Adenola stated that the venue should be accessible to the public, especially for demonstrations aimed at addressing important societal issues.
He also called for the same respect and facilities provided to previous users of the space, stressing the peaceful nature of the protest and the need for provisions such as sanitation, security, and power.
Minister Wike responded by stressing the need for formal procedures, including submitting a proper application and paying a security deposit to cover any potential damages.
He questioned the propriety of using social media for such requests and reiterated that all applicants must follow established protocols.
He said: “Who are these people who want to protest? They have applied to me to grant Eagle Square. Do you apply to me through social media?”
“You will write a letter to the minister. I will see you; who are you; what do you want to do? How many days do you want to spend? How much will you pay?
“You must apply properly. You must pay what we call security cost so that if there is any damage to the facility, we will take from that security cost and repair it.
“We don’t just give people because you have applied. You must fulfil the conditions. People have paid for Eagle Square, and you said you have applied to me now.
“So, I should go and cancel the other people’s own because you want to protest? It is first come, first served.”
In response, Adenola expressed frustration with the response, arguing that bureaucratic delays or selective receipt of communications could hinder the protest’s planning.
He stated that the letter would be delivered physically to ensure the minister receives it, adding that the public has the right to use the space without prohibitive costs, especially given the economic hardships faced by many Nigerians.
The protest, set to begin on August 1, 2024, has already drawn significant attention and support on social media, reflecting widespread discontent with the government’s policies.
