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By Nana Theresa Timothy

The planned #EndBadGovernance protests in Nigeria have sparked significant online discussions. The focus is on various issues including hunger, corruption, and economic challenges.

RELATED: Nigerian authorities intensify social media surveillance ahead of planned nationwide protests

IT Edge News.Africa tracked 10 profound online trends related to the #EndBadGovernance and #HungerProtest starting August 1, 2024 observed across X (Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook.

Key trends

  1. Protest Organization and Participation: The protests is organized by civil society groups and youth organizations. The protest is scheduled to begin on August 1, 2024. The movement has garnered broad support across the country. There is a mix of support from various groups, including the Yoruba socio-political group Afenifere and the Northern Comrades Movement of Nigeria (NCMN).
  2. Government Response and Security Measures: There is notable concern among government officials. President Bola Tinubu and his administration reportedly meeting with security chiefs, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders to prevent the protests. The government has issued warnings against potential violence and unrest. Government is taking specific measures to control the protests’ scope and location​ (West Africa Weekly)​.
  3. Controversies and Allegations: Allegations have surfaced suggesting that telecommunications companies (telcos) might be restricting network access to limit the protest’s reach. Telcos  have denied these claims, stating they have no intention of interfering with the protests​ (Daily Post Nigeria)​.
  4. Nationwide Mobilization: The protest is planned across all Nigeria’s 36 states of Nigeria, and it’s gaining momentum online with significant discussions on X and Facebook. Many users are sharing posts about the logistical details, locations, and timings for the protests, emphasizing a coordinated nationwide effort. https://www.legit.ng/nigeria/1603555-hardship-kano-based-trader-arrested-displaying-bad-governance-protest-t-shirt/
  5. Government and Security Forces’ Response: The Nigerian government, including the police and military, is preparing for the protests by increasing security measures. Online discussions highlight concerns about potential violence and the government’s stance on the protests. Many users are sharing updates and expressing their views on the heavy police and military presence. https://punchng.com/nlc-denies-withdrawal-from-nationwide-protest/
  6. Arrests and Intimidation: There are reports of individuals being arrested for promoting the protests, such as a Kano trader detained for wearing an “End Bad Governance” T-shirt. This has sparked outrage on social media, with many calling for the release of detained individuals and condemning the government’s attempts to stifle dissent. Legit.news https://www.legit.ng/nigeria/1603555-hardship-kano-based-trader-arrested-displaying-bad-governance-protest-t-shirt/

Online discussions highlight concerns around governance, economic hardship, and citizen engagement in Nigeria

 These discussions highlight the broader concerns around governance, economic hardship, and citizen engagement in Nigeria, as well as the complexities of organizing and regulating protests in the current political climate.

  1. Solidarity and Support: Numerous civil society organizations, political groups, and influential figures are voicing their support for the protests online. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), although not organizing the protests, has expressed solidarity with the movement, and this sentiment is widely shared on social media platforms. https://punchng.com/nlc-denies-withdrawal-from-nationwide-protest/
  2. Calls for Peaceful Protests: Amidst the mobilization, there are strong appeals for peaceful demonstrations. Many posts on Instagram and X emphasize the importance of maintaining non-violence to ensure the protests focus on the issues of bad governance and economic hardship without descending into chaos. https://punchng.com/nlc-denies-withdrawal-from-nationwide-protest/
  3. #EndBadGovernanceProtest: This hashtag is trending with around 27K tweets, reflecting ongoing discussions and mobilizations related to the major theme of the protest. https://www.twitter-trending.com/nigeria/en
  4. Government wants to dialogue with protesters: Governments at both federal and state levels are calling for protesters to shun the streets and come to the table for talks. Government is asking for Time and Talks. https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/nigeria-security-forces-deploy-government-offers-dialogue-protests-loom-2024-07-31/

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