Tinubu Should Be Scared Of Dangerous, Unannounced Protest That Sacked Bangladesh Leader- Falola Warns

Renowned Professor of History and African Studies, Toyin Falola, has criticized the administration of President Bola Tinubu for failing to address the core issues that sparked the #EndBadGovernance protests across Nigeria earlier in August.

Speaking as a guest on the socio-political program ”Inside Sources with Laolu Akande”, aired on Channels Television on Friday, the University of Texas professor noted that the protesters were considerate enough to announce their intentions weeks in advance, providing the government with time to strategize and minimize the impact of the rallies.

However, Falola warned that the Tinubu administration should be more concerned about spontaneous and uncontrollable protests, similar to those occurring in Bangladesh, where young demonstrators are protesting against the policies of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Between August 1 and 10, young Nigerians held rallies in various cities, protesting against the high cost of living and escalating food prices. They also demanded that Tinubu reverse the removal of the petrol subsidy to help reduce the cost of basic commodities.

On August 4, 2024, President Tinubu addressed the nation, firmly rejecting the reinstatement of the petrol subsidy, which had been a key demand of the #EndBadGovernance movement.

During the program, Falola criticized the President’s response to the protests, pointing out that key issues such as hunger, skyrocketing energy costs, the high cost of living, and insecurity—central concerns of the demonstrators—were not addressed.

“When the President spoke, there was no mention of fuel subsidies, infrastructure, electricity, or security—all the issues that drove the protests,” Falola said. “Aso Rock’s primary concern seemed to be preventing the destabilization of the government. But the protesters were not seeking to destabilize the government; they were expressing their hunger and frustration.”

He also emphasized that President Tinubu must be aware of the rising cost of living in Nigeria, exacerbated by ongoing inflation, and argued that making excuses is not an effective way to govern. Falola noted that despite the protests, there were no major incidents of violence, such as the feared Igbo-Yoruba clashes in Lagos.

“The underlying issues that fueled the protests remain unresolved,” Falola continued. “The government should be more concerned about undated, unannounced, or unplanned protests, which are far more dangerous and difficult to control. This recent protest was predictable, allowing for a police presence and other measures, but spontaneous protests, like those in Bangladesh, pose a greater threat.”