A counter-rally opposing the planned nationwide protest on August 1st commenced today in Lagos and Bayelsa states.
Youths from various locations converged on Lagos Island, carrying placards with messages such as “Say No to Protest,” voicing their support for the Tinubu-led administration. Meanwhile, in Bayelsa State, women gathered en masse, holding placards reading, “Say no to protest in Bayelsa.”
This counter-protest comes amid widespread social media campaigns urging Nigerians in all 36 states to demand an end to bad governance through protests. The opposing youths called on their peers to avoid engaging in violent protests.
Human rights lawyer Festus Ogun criticized the counter-protest, stating on Facebook, “Hungry and jobless individuals are protesting against protests. This is outrightly ridiculous.”
Another social media user, questioned the logic behind the counter-protest, 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?”
Despite the presence of the counter-protesters on Lagos Island, reports indicate a lack of security personnel to prevent any potential hijacking of the rally.
