Protests at Abuja's Eagle Square intensified on Thursday when Minister Ayodele Olawande was drowned out by chants from #EndBadGovernance demonstrators. Despite his attempt to engage, the crowd resisted and faced police teargas. The unrest reflects growing discontent over economic hardships and government responses
On Thursday, the Minister of State for Youths Development, Ayodele Olawande, faced intense backlash from #EndBadGovernance protesters at Abuja’s Eagle Square. As he attempted to address the angry crowd, they drowned out his voice with chants of "Hunger dey," preventing him from speaking. Despite his efforts to calm the situation, Olawande was met with hostility, and his attempts to assure the protesters of his support fell flat.
In his remarks, Olawande claimed solidarity with the demonstrators, stating that he had participated in numerous protests himself. He also promised to speak to the police about their use of teargas against the protesters. Despite his reassurances, the demonstrators refused to relocate to the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, citing recent pro-government protests there that faced no police interference.
The scene at Eagle Square was tense, with the police using teargas to disperse the small group of protesters. Many had gathered there after being barred from the National Stadium due to tight security. The protests are part of a larger movement against the government’s handling of the country’s economic difficulties and increasing hunger. The situation highlights the deepening frustrations among Nigerians struggling with widespread hardship.
