A counter-rally to the planned nationwide protest on August 1 has begun in Lagos and Bayelsa states, with protesters carrying placards that read “Say No to Protest”.
This comes as many Nigerians call for protests across the country to demand an end to bad governance.
In Lagos, youths gathered on Lagos Island to express support for the President Bola Tinubu-led administration and called on others to “shun violent protest”. Similarly, in Bayelsa State, women protested with placards stating “Say no to protest in Bayelsa”.
However, human rights lawyer Festus Ogun criticized the counter-rally, saying “Hungry and jobless individuals are protesting against protests.
This is outrightly ridiculous.” Others questioned the logic of protesting against protests, pointing out the irony of using the same method to convey a contradictory message.
The counter-rally has sparked debate and raised questions about the motivations behind it, with some arguing that it may be an attempt to silence dissenting voices and stifle demands for change.
