Womanifesto Joins #ENDBADGOVERNANCE Protests, Opens Situation Room

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

Womanifesto, an alliance of over 300 women’s rights activists, advocates, and organizations, announced its participation in the #ENDBADGOVERNANCE protests in Nigeria.

The group in a press statement releases today, demands accountability and good governance without harassment or intimidation.

Representing professionals, thought leaders, human rights advocates, and mothers, Womanifesto empathizes with the hardships faced by Nigerians, including high inflation, low purchasing power, and rising electricity and fuel costs. They criticize government wasteful spending at all levels, declaring that Nigerians are “tired, hungry, and disgruntled.”

Womanifesto condemned attempts by government officials and others to label the protest as a coup, treason, or insurrection, viewing these claims as provocative propaganda. They emphasized that civil liberty and the right to gather are legally protected in Nigeria. The group vowed to resist any efforts to silence Nigerians through oppression.

Reflecting on the 2020 ENDSARS protests, Womanifesto decried the misrepresentation of those events. They highlighted the peaceful nature of the protests until infiltrated by thugs and criminals, allegedly politically sponsored. The subsequent looting and destruction were linked to revelations of government personnel hoarding food relief meant for communities.

Womanifesto called on the Nigerian police to protect peaceful protesters and praised the police and State Security Service for identifying threats to peace. The group urged these authorities to prevent any attacks on protesters.

Addressing wider issues across Africa, Womanifesto criticized some elements, possibly under government influence, for protesting against the #ENDBADGOVERNANCE movement. They condemned threats by state and non-state actors to attack protesters and urged the police to take action.

A warning was issued to the Nigerian military to avoid involvement in civil protests, recalling the violence during the 2020 protests. Womanifesto stated that any injury or loss during the protests would be the responsibility of the President, state governors, and Nigerian security forces, particularly the police.

Womanifesto demanded the federal government address the nation with tangible, measurable plans to alleviate economic hardship. They announced the opening of a Situation Room to monitor and report on the protests nationwide, with a team of lawyers ready to address cases of intimidation. Hotlines will be available 24 hours from August 1st for distressed citizens, and live reports will be taken via social media.

The group called on Nigerians to remain peaceful during the demonstrations and urged the government to recognize and respond to the citizens’ pain. Womanifesto also condemned the Lagos State Government and the Inspector General of Police for attempts to restrict the movement of protesters, emphasizing that such actions violate fundamental rights.