Solomon Dalung Leads from the Front in Plateau’s ‘End Bad Governance’ Protest, as Fubara Pacifies Protesters in Port Harcourt
Ibukun Nimyel, Jos; Diran King, Port Harcourt
Former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, has taken a leading role in the ‘End Bad Governance’ protest in Plateau State, joining demonstrators in Jos. Addressing the crowd, Dalung urged security operatives not to intimidate the protesters, emphasizing their constitutional right to stage peaceful demonstrations. He expressed that the economic hardships faced by Nigerians have become unbearable, necessitating such actions.
Despite government warnings and pleas to avoid participation in the nationwide protest, renowned Christian cleric Isa El-Buba spearheaded a peaceful demonstration in Jos, the Plateau State capital. The protest, held at the Old Airport roundabout in Jos South Local Government Area, saw participants holding Nigerian flags as symbols of peace.
El-Buba passionately called for President Bola Tinubu’s resignation, arguing, “President Bola Tinubu must resign; we cannot wait for 2027 to change him; hunger will not allow us to endure that long.” He pledged to mobilize more individuals to join the protest in the coming days, accusing the government of deliberately imposing economic hardships on ordinary Nigerians.
“We are going to be here for the next ten days,” El-Buba declared. “If you don’t stand up for your rights, no one will do it for you.” He criticized government officials for fearing the protest, knowing their policies and programs are anti-people, and vowed not to retreat until the demands for better living conditions are met.
Meanwhile, in Port Harcourt, Governor Siminalayi Fubara became the first governor to openly identify with the protesters. He stepped out to address them, empathising with their grievances and urging them to maintain peace to avoid letting the protest turn violent.
“I feel your pain, and I am with you. I must thank you for ensuring that the protest has remained peaceful. As a state, we are doing our best, and we must not allow some unscrupulous elements who are bent on destroying our state to take advantage of the situation. Please remain peaceful, and there won’t be any trouble. We will take your concerns to the Federal Government,” he said. Fubara promised to send the protesters “something to buy water and bread,” a declaration that was met with a loud chant of “No!” from the protesters.
Back in Jos, security operatives were deployed at various locations, while many major businesses remained closed. The ongoing protests reflect the deep-seated frustrations of Nigerians demanding better governance and improved living conditions. Dalung’s participation has added significant weight to the movement, highlighting the urgent call for change.
The protest is expected to last for the next ten days across the nation.