The planned #EndBadGovernance protest, which took place in several Nigerian states on Thursday, failed to materialize in Kwara State, with residents of the state capital, Ilorin, largely avoiding participation.
Despite a recent ruling by the State High Court permitting the use of Metropolitan Square for protests, the venue remained deserted throughout the day. Security forces, including police, army, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officers, were strategically positioned at key locations such as the Post Office area and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) office.
Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Victor Olaiya, commended the residents for their non-participation in the protest during an interview with Premium Times.
CP Olaiya stated, “Kwara is a state of peace and harmony. There were no incidents, and most people went about their businesses peacefully.”
The absence of protesters was notable, given the widespread nature of the #EndBadGovernance movement in other parts of Nigeria. Local authorities had previously appealed to youth groups to refrain from joining the protest, advocating instead for dialogue and constructive engagement.
The Explainer gathered that While most residents chose to stay indoors during the early hours of the day, some economic activities gradually resumed. Small businesses and shops along major thoroughfares such as Ibrahim Taiwo Road, Unity Road, and Airport Road opened later than usual.
However, commercial banks remained closed, leading to increased activity at Point of Sale (POS) operators as people sought alternative means to access cash.
A local shop owner, who wished to remain anonymous, told a reporter, “We opened late because we weren’t sure what to expect. But when we saw that things were calm, we decided it was safe to conduct business.”
The muted response to the protest in Kwara stands in contrast to the scenes witnessed in other states across Nigeria. Observers attribute this to a combination of factors, including the proactive stance of local authorities and the generally peaceful disposition of Kwara residents.
As the day progressed, vehicular movement increased, indicating a gradual return to normalcy. However, the underlying issues that sparked the #EndBadGovernance protests across the nation remain a topic of concern for many Nigerians.
