By Kingston Magare 12-6-2025
Hundreds of Nigerians took to the streets in major cities calling on the government of President Bola Tinubu to take steps to alleviating the suffering of the masses due to economic hardship and insecurity.
In Lagos protesters gathered in Ikeja Under Bridge demanding for policies that are more humane. Security agents were on hand to prevent a violence escalation of the protests as the marchers tagged along with various signs: “Reverse Electricity Tariff Hike” and “No one deserves a death sentence for protesting against hunger,” among others.
Demonstrators in Abuja also urged the Tinubu administration to end hunger and insecurity in the country; two issues the President did not give significant mention in his address to the National Assembly.
“The reason we are out today is because we have a government that has failed us—one that has forgotten about the welfare of the people, that has ignored the security of lives and property, and is instead busy chasing the 2027 elections,” said Rex Elanu, the Abuja coordinator of the Take It Back Movement.
“People are dying of hunger across Nigeria, yet they are afraid to speak up or protest. The government is known for repression—arresting, jailing, and even killing peaceful protesters, and charging minors with treason. But that will not stop us today.”
In Ibadan demonstrators also called on President Tinubu to put an end to the hardships faced by Nigerians. Speaking at the Mokola Roundabout Abiola Aremu who led a coalition of civil societies, said: “We are out today because today is June 12. Unfortunately for us, there are hardly any dividends to show for it. What we have today is what they called renewed hope, which has ceased to be truly one.
“The government of President Bola Tinubu is two years in office on May 29, 2025. For working people, youth and other ordinary Nigerians, the administration whose mantra is ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ has proved to be a monumental failure.”
A student of the University of Ibadan, Gabriel Oluwaferanmi, lamented that the education sector has not been spared the adverse effects of underfunding.
Mr Oluwaferanmi said, “We are having to pay exorbitant fees, with hardly any notable change in the known quality. President Tinubu and Nigerian leaders should rethink their commitment to the education sector. Student loans have only changed the patterns of fees.”