ABUJA/Nigeria: A diaspora group under the platform of #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria has announced plans to protest against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the 79th United Nations General Assembly, scheduled to take place from September 10 to 30, 2024, in New York, United States.
In a statement signed by Austin Ikpeme and Peter Olagunju, the group expressed its deep frustration with the current state of governance in Nigeria, accusing the Tinubu administration of widespread corruption and neglecting the welfare of the citizens. The group declared that it could no longer stand by and watch as the country and its people suffer under what it described as a corrupt government.
The group outlined a series of demands, including the immediate release of Bristol Isaac Tamunobiefiri, also known as PIDOM, a journalist and whistleblower, along with others who were arrested and detained by the police and security agencies during the #EndBadGovernance protests in Nigeria. They also called for President Tinubu to reduce the size of the government, dismiss non-performing appointees, and take immediate action to end corruption and looting of the nation’s resources by himself and his associates.
Additionally, the group demanded the reinstatement of fuel subsidies to alleviate the high cost of living in the country, as well as a comprehensive plan to address insecurity and ensure good governance.
“We want the world to know what they have turned Nigerians and Nigeria into,” the statement read, as the group vowed to make their voices heard during the UN General Assembly.
The #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests in the Diaspora are set to commence on September 15, 2024, with demonstrators gathering at key locations including the United Nations Building, the Nigerian House at 828 Second Avenue, and the hotel where President Tinubu and his entourage will be staying. The protest will begin at 9 a.m. and will involve Nigerians in the diaspora and supporters of the movement.
The group condemned the Tinubu administration for fostering a culture of corruption, human rights abuses, and insecurity, stating, “We must free Nigeria and Nigerians from Bola Tinubu’s kleptocratic and authoritarian regime.” They also demanded accountability for the deaths, injuries, and disappearances of individuals who participated in the recent peaceful #EndBadGovernance protests in Nigeria.
