Professor Toyin Falola cautions President Tinubu to be mindful of the potential for unannounced, large-scale protests similar to those seen in Bangladesh, urging attention to public discontent.

The President Bola Tinubu administration has neglected to tackle the primary catalysts behind the #EndBadGovernance demonstrations that resonated across many Nigerian states in early August, as asserted by distinguished academician of History and African Studies, Toyin Falola.

On Friday, the accomplished professor in his seventies from the University of Texas appeared as a guest on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande – an esteemed socio-political program broadcasted on Channels Television.

According to him, the demonstrators showed generosity by informing about their protests several weeks in advance and allowing the government sufficient time to devise plans for neutralizing the rallies’ influence.

According to Falola, it is important for the Tinubu administration to be mindful of unanticipated and uncontrollable protests similar to those occurring in Bangladesh. Youth protesters there are rallying against policies implemented by departing Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

In the span of August 1 to 10, youthful protesters organized rallies in numerous cities across Nigeria, voicing their concerns over increased living expenses and skyrocketing food costs. Additionally, they implored Tinubu to rescind petrol subsidies as a means of reducing the prices on essential commodities.

Tinubu spoke to the Nigerian people on August 4, 2024 and declared that he would not bring back fuel subsidies, which was one of the main demands made by #EndBadGovernance activists.

During the programme, the professor criticized the President’s statement about #EndBadGovernance protests and highlighted that crucial matters such as famine, exorbitant energy prices, unaffordable expenses of living and insecurity which were voiced by young protesters had been disregarded.

If the President were to release his own statement, it would not address fuel subsidy or infrastructure concerns, nor discuss electricity or security – all of which fueled the protests.

Aṣọ Rock’s basic response was that they do not want anyone to destabilize the government, although no one desires to sow seeds of instability in the government.

Certainly, a few entities exploited the demonstrations with Russian banners and demands for overthrowing those in power. However, the objective of these protests was not to create turmoil within the government nor were participants advocating for a coup. Although it is true that individuals in Kaduna may have expressed such sentiments, this was not reflective of the original intent which centered on expressing their dire need for sustenance because they are decidedly hungry – as they indeed still remain so today.

He stated that Tinubu cannot be unaware of the escalating cost of living in Nigeria, attributed to ongoing inflationary trends within the nation.

“He knows that governing requires action rather than excuses,” stated Falola. He expressed gratitude that there were no damaging conflicts in Lagos between the Igbo and Yoruba, as it was previously anticipated by many.

The root causes that gave rise to the protest still persist. The government must be mindful of spontaneous, undocumented or unplanned protests as they pose a greater threat since they cannot be managed. While rallies with prior notice can have police presence and security measures in place, it is those resembling the ones in Bangladesh that are concerning for authorities.