NBA Demands Police Support as 5,000 Democracy Day Protesters Gear Up

NBA Demands Police Support as 5,000 Democracy Day Protesters Gear Up

NBA,Nigerian Bar Association Ikeja Branch has issued a bold appeal to the Lagos State Police Command, urging them to protect citizens expected to join a mass protest on June 12, Nigeria’s Democracy Day.

This call came through a formal letter signed by the NBA Ikeja Human Rights Committee. The committee stressed that the peaceful protest, organised by the EndBadGovernance Movement, complies fully with legal provisions. They reminded the police that the law requires them to provide security for rallies that follow proper procedures.

Chinyere Udeh, who chairs the NBA Human Rights Committee, signed the letter along with Vice Chairman Joseph Opute and Secretary Clementina Olaniyan. The trio affirmed that the protest was lawful and within the rights of Nigerians.

“The organisers of the EndBadGovernance Movement have, in full compliance with the law, duly notified your good office of their intention to hold the 12 June commemorative rally,” the NBA wrote.

They cited Section 84(4) of the Police Act, which clearly instructs law enforcement to offer security when notified of a protest. They also reminded the police of the Nigerian Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, both of which protect freedom of peaceful assembly.

Despite notifying the police well in advance, the organisers said the response has been discouraging. The police invited the group for a meeting on June 10 at the State Command in Ikeja. But when they got there, the Commissioner of Police was not available. The organisers waited for over an hour before both sides agreed to hold a virtual meeting instead.

However, later that evening, the police proposed a second physical meeting on June 11, which the organisers rejected. They said their earlier agreement was for a virtual discussion and urged the police to stick to that arrangement.

“We are not averse to meeting with the CP to discuss police protection for the protest, but it must be held virtually as earlier agreed,” said Hassan Soweto, a member of the organising committee.

Soweto said the protest will go ahead regardless of police delays. According to him, thousands of Nigerians from all walks of life—workers, students, artisans, market women, the unemployed—will join the peaceful rally.

He called on all Nigerians feeling the weight of hardship to show up and speak out. The protest will begin at 7:30 a.m. at the underbridge area in Ikeja.

“We urge workers, artisans, youths, students, market men and women, okada riders, the unemployed, and all oppressed Nigerians to join us for the peaceful procession,” Soweto said.

Lagos Police Command spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed that talks were ongoing between the police and protest organisers. He said the goal was to keep the rally peaceful and make sure all safety rules are followed.

Hundeyin explained that the police were preparing ahead of the protest. He encouraged all demonstrators to stay peaceful and responsible throughout the event. “Everyone is urged to uphold the peace that the state is currently experiencing,” he said.

But the EndBadGovernance Movement is not backing down. They insist that the protest is necessary because of what they describe as growing hardship and shrinking democratic space in Nigeria. The group accused the government of ignoring the people’s needs, restricting basic freedoms, and fuelling inequality.

Their protest comes at a time when the cost of living is rising sharply. Fuel prices have soared due to the removal of subsidies, and the value of the naira has dropped. Many Nigerians can barely afford food or transport. Labour unions like the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have held their own protests against these policies.

According to the EndBadGovernance Movement, many of these problems stem from decisions pushed by global financial institutions. “These IMF/World Bank-inspired anti-poor policies are destroying lives,” the group stated.

For the protesters, June 12 carries deep meaning. The day honours the memory of the 1993 presidential election that many believe Moshood Abiola won. That election was cancelled, and the fight to restore democracy became a defining moment in Nigerian history.

In 2018, President Muhammadu Buhari officially named June 12 as Democracy Day. But for the EndBadGovernance Movement, the struggle is far from over.

“June 12 itself is historically a day of protest. Everything about the day stands for resistance,” said one of the organisers. They believe that 31 years later, the country still hasn’t achieved the dream of true democracy.

They have vowed to press ahead, whether the police support them or not. Their message is simple: the protest will hold, and Nigerians will be heard.

“Whatever happens, the public should rest assured that the 12 June protest will go on,” they said with determination.

The NBA‘s involvement in this protest reflects the growing concern among professionals, rights advocates, and civil society groups. They want a Nigeria where leaders listen and citizens can speak freely without fear.

They argue that peaceful protest is not a threat to democracy—it is the essence of it.

As the day approaches, all eyes are on the streets of Lagos, where thousands are expected to march for economic justice, fairness, and true democratic freedom. For many, this protest is not just about today’s hardship—it’s about fighting for the future.