On Saturday, the Ondo State Police Command made headlines for all the wrong reasons, arresting at least nine youths participating in the ongoing #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest in Akure, the state capital. For those keeping note, yes, protests are still very much alive in some states, despite efforts to suppress them.
The demonstration, held at the NEPA Roundabout, was abruptly disrupted by the police, sparking outrage among protesters. Among those detained were high-profile figures such as Kunle Ajayi, the governorship candidate of the African Action Congress, along with Patrix Owolabi, Oluwatobi Akinkuotu, Kolawole Kumuyi, and Olalekan Oladehinde.
Protester Tope Temokun vehemently condemned the arrests, arguing, “The police action is utterly reprehensible. If they have proof of any violent behavior from the protesters, they should present it.”
Despite the gravity of the situation, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Funmilayo Odunlami, has yet to provide a comment. “I’m currently in a meeting and will get back to you shortly,” she said, leaving the public in suspense about the official response to the controversial police action.
As tensions rise, the question remains, Is the government’s response to protests a sign of progress or a step backward for democracy?
