In the ongoing #FearlessInOctober protests, Nigerian youths have strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration for attempting to suppress their voices while rampant corruption allows public funds to be stolen by politicians.
This protest follows the #EndBadGovernance demonstrations from earlier in August, which were driven by the deepening economic hardships affecting many Nigerians. Protesters have expressed their frustration, with one participant in Abuja stating, “The Nigerian government wants to crush, silence, and intimidate the people so they’re too afraid to express their basic rights. But today, Nigerians are showing that we will not be silenced.”
Criticizing the government’s poor handling of the country’s affairs, the protester added, “With the level of irresponsibility in leadership, the government cannot expect us to stay silent while we suffer from poverty, insecurity, failing healthcare, and a broken education system.”
Another protester addressed the blatant corruption, pointing fingers at high-profile politicians: “Yahaya Bello is looting on one side, Emefiele on another, and while they fill their pockets, ordinary Nigerians are left struggling. Rice now costs nearly ₦100,000 a bag, and fuel is over ₦1,000 per litre. These are real reasons to protest—we are hungry.”
Earlier reports revealed that peaceful protesters in Abuja were met with a harsh response from the police, who fired tear gas and ammunition in areas like Jabi and Utako, causing chaos and forcing demonstrators to scatter for safety.
