Democracy Day: Protesters March in Lagos, Police Assure of Maximum Security
LAGOS — As Nigeria marks Democracy Day on June 12, scores of protesters gathered at Ikeja Underbridge in Lagos to demand better governance under the banner of #EndBadGovernance.
The demonstrators, made up of activists and concerned citizens, called for political and economic reforms amid rising discontent over the country’s socio-economic challenges. The protest remained peaceful, with a heavy police presence ensuring calm and security.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, was on ground and personally addressed the crowd. He reassured protesters of their right to peaceful assembly and urged them to conduct themselves responsibly.
> “We are here to protect your rights and ensure your safety. Please remain peaceful,” the commissioner said.
Earlier, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) posted a video on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, showing officers stationed at the protest venue. The accompanying caption read:
> “Democracy Day celebrants and protesters at Ikeja Underbridge…
Adequate security on the ground for celebrants and protesters alike.
No cause for alarm. Your safety and security remain our priority. #LagosPoliceNG”
Despite an earlier agreement between the police and 15 Civil Society Organisations that restricted protests to Gani Fawehinmi Park in Ojota, protesters chose Ikeja as their convergence point.
As of the time of filing this report, no violence or arrest had been recorded, and security operatives continued to monitor the situation closely.
Democracy Day, commemorated annually on June 12, honors Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999 and the legacy of the 1993 presidential election widely regarded as the freest and fairest in the nation’s history.
