Prominent human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, joined members of the #EndBadGovernance movement and other civil society groups on Friday in a protest against worsening insecurity, economic hardship and what they described as government inaction on issues affecting ordinary Nigerians.
The demonstration, held in Lagos as part of activities marking Democracy Day, began at the Ikeja Underbridge, where protesters gathered with placards calling for urgent measures to address kidnapping, violent crime, hunger and the rising cost of living.
Messages displayed during the rally included “No Democracy Without Security,” “End Insecurity and Kidnapping,” “End Bad Governance,” and “Free All Abducted Children, Teachers and Farmers.”
Participants, including members of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), marched through parts of the city while demanding greater government accountability and stronger efforts to tackle the country’s security and economic challenges.
Speaking through their actions and chants, the protesters argued that democracy should deliver tangible benefits to citizens, particularly in the areas of safety, welfare and economic opportunity.
Falana, a longstanding advocate for human rights and democratic governance, stressed the need for leaders to prioritise the well-being of Nigerians, maintaining that democratic rule must be measured by improvements in the quality of life of the people.
The rally comes at a time of growing public concern over persistent security threats across the country, including kidnappings, banditry, insurgency and other forms of violent crime that have continued to affect communities in several regions.
Protesters also highlighted the economic difficulties faced by millions of Nigerians, citing soaring food prices, inflation, increased transportation costs and declining purchasing power amid ongoing economic reforms.
The demonstration was organised under the banner of the #EndBadGovernance movement, which gained national prominence in 2024 after leading protests against hunger, economic hardship and governance-related concerns across various states.
Participants noted that while Nigeria was commemorating more than two decades of uninterrupted democratic rule and the legacy of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, many citizens continued to struggle with poverty, unemployment and insecurity.
The June 12 election, widely regarded as one of the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history, was believed to have been won by the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola before it was annulled by the military government of former Head of State Ibrahim Babangida.
The annulment triggered nationwide protests and a sustained pro-democracy campaign that eventually paved the way for Nigeria’s return to civilian governance in 1999.
However, many activists and civil society groups maintain that the aspirations of the June 12 struggle remain largely unfulfilled, pointing to continued challenges such as corruption, insecurity, unemployment, poverty and concerns over human rights as evidence that the fight for a more inclusive and accountable democracy is far from over.
