The #EndBadGovernance protests, which officially began across Nigeria today, August 1, 2024, were largely subdued in Rivers State, partly due to scattered rain showers across many parts of the state.
As of noon on the day of the protest, there were no reports of protesters gathering at any location in the state. However, there was a noticeable self-imposed restriction on movement, business, and official operations by the residents. Fewer vehicles were seen on the roads, and few shops and offices were open, with all banks closed to customers.
Although there was no official closure of markets, only a few traders were seen in some markets that had opened for daily operations. Due to the low human and vehicular traffic, youths in some areas of Port Harcourt took the opportunity to play football.
The scattered rain showers also contributed to discouraging the mobilization of protesters, along with extensive campaigns from various quarters—including government, community, youth, and women’s leaderships, as well as non-governmental and civil society organizations—against staging the protest in the state.
However, further investigation by our reporter revealed that a group of approximately 1,500 protesters, many carrying Nigerian flags of various sizes, later gathered at Pleasure Park on the Aba-Port Harcourt Expressway. They marched peacefully to the Rivers State Government House, where they were addressed by the governor.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara, showing sympathy, reassured the protesters of his commitment to sustaining the implementation of policies and programs designed to improve living conditions for all residents of Rivers State.
The governor acknowledged the harsh economic conditions that had prompted the nationwide protest but insisted that the situation would improve in the short term, given the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s Federal Government to securing a better future for all Nigerians.
He thanked the youths for their peaceful conduct and urged them to avoid being provoked into violence. He stated, “I want to thank you for being peaceful. I understand your problems, and we will communicate them to the Federal Government.
“However, we are concerned that some individuals may try to exploit this protest to cause damage to our state. We will not allow this to happen.
“While it is challenging now, we believe that soon, everything will be better. Starting with our own state, things will improve. What we need is your support for the government and its policies. Initial implementation of policies may be harsh, but eventually, things will get better.”
Governor Fubara affirmed his administration’s commitment to good governance, taking decisive actions to address the growing economic hardship in the state, and ensuring that life improves for the people.
He added, “As I mentioned yesterday, I am one of you and I feel your pain. In our government, we are working hard to make life easier for our people. We are committed to eliminating hunger soon, as we advocate for good governance.”