Youths rally for Tinubu in Lagos, Abuja

News

June 13, 2025 by
Precious Igbonwelundu, Asst. News Editor, Frank Ikpefan, Abuja, Gbenga Omokhunu | Abuja, Tosin Tope, Akure, Udeh Onyebuchi, Yinka Adeniran, Ibadan and Segun Showunmi, Ibadan

Protesters demand end to insecurity, hunger in Ibadan, Ondo, Osun

Hundreds of youths yesterday took to the streets in some city centres, including Lagos and Abuja, to drum support for President Bola Tinubu.

The youths, under the auspices of “Team Nigeria” and decked in national “green-white-green” colour, urged the government to continue with policies that would better the livelihoods of the masses.

They displayed unity and patriotism as they converged under the Ikeja Bridge as early as 7:45am chanting solidarity songs.

Blaring music from mobile speakers, they danced to the drum beats as they waved the country’s flags banners with inscriptions “One Nigeria” and “Tinubu will make Nigeria great.”

Led by Otunba Bestman Nze-Jumbo, Team Nigeria acknowledged that the President was trying his best to cushion the effects of the reforms introduced by his administration.

Nze-Jumbo emphasized that the event was not a protest but a celebration of democracy and the strides Nigeria has made since the annulled June 12, 1993, election, considered the freest and fairest in the country’s history.

He said: “We are celebrating June 12 because this is the first time Nigeria is experiencing the best democratic rule under President Tinubu.

“From the spirit of June 12, if you were there, you would know that this is worth celebrating. We are not saying things are perfect, but he is trying and keeping his promises to Nigeria. We are moving forward, and we believe we will get it right under him.

“This is not a protest. We have been doing this every year. Just as you see others protesting, which is their democratic right, we also have the right to celebrate June 12. This is democracy, and it is worth celebrating,” he said.

A physically-challenged member of the group – Tosin Wahab – stunned the audience with his speech. Wahab shared how his life has improved under the current administration.

He said: “Before Tinubu came, we the physically challenged couldn’t even find anything to eat. But now, there are funds coming to us. We are endorsing him for a second term to continue the reforms he has started.”

Mrs. Habiba Lawal, a trader, remarked that while economic challenges persist, the government’s outreach programmes have begun to alleviate some burdens.

“We see efforts in the markets, with small business support and food interventions. Things are hard, yes, but at least there is a plan,” she said.

Security personnel, including police officers and civil defense operatives, were on ground to ensure order during the event, which remained peaceful throughout.

In Abuja, the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) also held a solidarity rally, tagged “We Walk for Democracy, We Walk for Renewed Hope” in support of the President. The youths who expressed their support for the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, demanded continued commitment to youth empowerment and development.

President of NYCN, Solomon Adodo, eulogised the heroes and heroines of democracy, especially those who paid the ultimate price in the aftermath of the June 12 annulment and all those who stood firm in the face of great political persecution.

Read Also: Tinubu’s healthcare reforms: Turning point or déjà vu?

Adodo stated: “Today, we march not as observers of history but as its authors. June 12 did not birth our democracy, it baptized it. It costs countless lives, dreams, and tears. The courage of Chief MKO Abiola, the sacrifice of Kudirat Abiola, the bravery of Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, Alfred Rewane, Bagauda Kaltho, Chima Ubani, Pa Alfred Ilenre and other fallen martyrs as well as the living heroes can never be overlooked.

“On Tinubu’s second Democracy Day anniversary, it is pertinent to state that his economic and fiscal reforms are worthy of commendation and are fast yielding a transformative legacy that has rekindled hope for a greater Nigeria.

“He has modeled a unique brand of leadership despite the woes inherited from successive administrations, and he never dwells on the past as an excuse for sensationalism, but rather vigorously addresses the fundamentals required to set the nation back on the path of greatness.

“Amidst the economic turbulence, he has been able to tame the tumorous challenges with unprecedented breakthroughs, which have revitalised our hope that insecurity will soon be history.

“A unifier par excellence, he has shown leadership that is accommodating, intentional, and resolute, lifting Nigerians, not dividing them.

“We must also acknowledge the stabilising influence of the National Assembly under the leadership of the Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio.

“The peace we enjoy in democratic governance today cannot be overemphasized without the instrumental role of a functional and cooperative National Assembly.

“Equally, we pay glowing tribute to the gallant men and women of the Armed Forces and our patriotic service chiefs. Their sacrifices in the line of duty to protect the territorial integrity of our nation, often at the risk of their lives, deserve more than applause.

“Their unwavering commitment to peace, stability, and security across our land reinforces our confidence in Nigeria’s unity and enduring strength.”

But there anti-government protesters also had their day in Lagos, Abuja, Ondo and Ibadan.

Pockets of them staged peaceful walks where they voiced their grievances and demanded better economy, security and basic social infrastructure for the masses.

In Lagos, they kicked off at Ikeja Under-Bridge and marched towards the State Secretariat. Another set of protesters marched from Maryland to Ojota amid heavy security presence.

The protesters carried placards with messages such as “End Hunger, Hardship & Insecurity,” “Bring Back Fuel Subsidy,” and “We Want Genuine Electoral Reform.”

They also demanded an end to high electricity tariffs and estimated billings from Distribution Companies (DisCos), just as they lamented the high cost of living.

One of the conveners of the protests against hardship, Hassan Taiwo, movement, addressed the crowd, demanding the release of journalists and activists who had been detained for criticizing the government.

He said: “We are demanding the release of journalists, bloggers, and Nigerians who have been arrested simply for expressing their opinions.

“Freedom of speech and peaceful protest are fundamental rights. President Tinubu must end these anti-people policies that have brought so much hardship.”

Another protester, Sam Akintola, criticized the government’s spending on political appointees and called on the Nigeria Police Force to refrain from using force on peaceful demonstrators.

“Most of the money paid to advisers can be redirected to vital sectors. The police must understand this is a peaceful protest. They are here for the people, not against them,” Akintola said.

Members of the #TakeItBack Movement marched from Maryland to Freedom Square, Ojota, where they expressed concerns about the federal government’s new student loan programme.

“Some students haven’t received their school fees. Many are dropping out due to lack of support. The ICPC must look into the implementation of the student loan policy,” a student, Ojowole Oluwasun said.

No cause for alarm

Speaking to The Nation about the situation, Lagos Commissioner of Police (CP) Olohundare Jimoh, said there was no cause for alarm, adding that the protest in the state was peaceful.

He said the police ensured adequate security both for protesters and citizens going about their legitimate businesses, adding that the command has clearly stated it won’t tolerate disorder or lawlessness in any part of the state.

According to the CP, adequate deployments were made as early as 4am to cover the nooks and crannies of the state, adding that the command also deployed Marine operatives for waterway patrols.

He said there was a constant show of force and that the dark spots were earlier raided to ensure that people intending mischief do not have a hiding place.

CP Jimoh also said that all critical infrastructures including power plants, public offices and private business entities of interest have been adequately captured in the deployment and well covered.

He told The Nation that part of the security deployment was stop-and-search points at strategic locations to identify vehicles that might want to move around with incriminating items.

“We are also carrying out special raids of criminal hideouts and black spots, as well as a show of force involving joint police patrol.

“All these actions are not to scare law abiding citizens but to let criminals know that security in Lagos is awake and ready to protect the state.

“As at 8am, the state was calm and no protesters have been seen at any of the locations. Citizens are going about their lawful businesses without hindrance.

“We shall continue to carry out vehicular patrols of the nooks and crannies of the state while waterway patrols by the Marine Police are also ongoing.

“I can tell you that Lagos State so far is calm and peaceful. We have not recorded any untoward incident. The protesters gathered and were peaceful.

“They held their protesters and dispersed afterwards. Our meeting yesterday with the leadership of some of the CSOs was fruitful.”

Defiant Abuja protesters

The protesters in Abuja, who defied heavy security, demanded an end to insecurity and hardship.

Troops were earlier deployed at strategic locations including the Eagle Square and the National Assembly ahead of the planned protests, forcing the agitators to commence their movement at Apo with solidarity songs.

They bore placards with inscriptions such as “we want good governance; we need security.”

No crisis was recorded and residents were seen going about their normal businesses.

However, the reverse was the case in Ondo State where suspected armed thugs infiltrated the protesters in Akure, the state capital.

The protesters, led by Omoyele Sowore and Tope Temokun, were attacked at the Cathedral area of Akure.

The Nation reports that the cathedral axis is the convergence point and the venue for the protesters.

Some thugs arrived at the protest ground with sticks, planks, bottles and other weapons.

As the protesters were converging, the thugs swooped on them and chased them away despite the presence of security agents.

Sowore described the action of the infiltrators as an act of “oppression.”

He lamented that the thugs were allegedly sponsored to disrupt the peaceful protest, accusing the police of failing to protect the peaceful protesters while the attack was being carried out.

“We are not going to accept it. We are not. These thugs came to sabotage and hijack our protest. They came to this venue to attack this group of peaceful protesters.

“Nobody has the right to prevent another Nigerian from expressing themselves, whether the person being oppressed is a policeman or whosoever.”

Temokun said a formal request was made to the State Police Command for protection.

Addressing the protesters, Ondo State Commissioner of Police (CP) Wilfred Afolabi, commended them for being peaceful and orderly.

He denied that the police were conniving with those infiltrated the protesters.

In Ibadan, demonstrators under the umbrella of Oyo State Coalition of Civil Socialists, Labour Activists and Students against hardship and hunger took to the streets to demand an end to economic hardship, insecurity and call for genuine electoral reforms.

They also asked the government to build more refineries.

The protests marched through Mokola-Adamasingba-Dugbe to Agodi Gate.

With their placards and big banners, the protesters called on both the federal and state governments to listen to the cry of the masses.

Some of the inscriptions reads: “End hunger, hardship, insecurity, reverse all International Monetary Fund/World Bank, anti-poor policies, and end attacks on democratic rights for genuine electoral reform.”

Former Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of University, University of Ibadan, Prof. Ademola Aremu, urged governments at all levels to pay more attention to the masses.

Aremu, who is the Coordinator of Joint Action Front, said: “We are saying attention should be given to the insecurity. We are saying we want people to be able to sleep and sleep well.

“We want people to travel and have peace of mind. We are saying the farmers should go back to the farm and be able to cultivate. This is what we want from our governments.”

Security operatives were seen at strategic locations to maintain law and order and to also ensure the protest was not hijacked.

Also speaking, Oyo State Chairman of African Alliance Congress (AAC), David Babayemi (KBD) said they took to the street to protest hunger, insecurity and many unpleasant things in the country.

In Osogbo, the coalition of civil society groups and other residents of Osun State urged the government to pay the family of Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, all presidential entitlements to atone for the sacrifice he paid.

The coalition of civil societies groups in partnership with Osun State Government had organised a solidarity walk from Old-Garage through Orisunbare, Ola-Iya, Fakunle to Old governor’s office where a panel session was held.

The Chairman of Osun Civil Societies Coalition, Comrade Waheed Lawal, extolled Abiola’s struggle and commended the Federal Government for recognising June 12 for his remembrance.

“We are demanding that whatever entitlement that accrued for any president elected in Nigeria should be given to the family of late Abiola, he struggled, he strived to make sure that we have a good legacy of democracy in Nigeria and that is what we are enjoying today it will be an ingrate to Nigerians not to reciprocate this by giving the family their entitlement.

“If Federal Government owed Abiola family anything they should pay the family that will be atonement for the pains that they lost their beloved one.”

He also appealed to the Osun Government to employ teachers to schools as promised, provide jobs for youths and ensure security of lives and property.

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