A counter-demonstration in opposition to the planned nationwide protest set to take place on August 1 across Nigeria has commenced in Lagos and Bayelsa states. Demonstrators wielding placards bearing the message "Say No to Protest" have taken to the streets in a show of disapproval.
This development comes amidst a growing social media campaign urging protests in all 36 states of the federation to call for an end to poor governance in the country.
In Lagos Island, youths from various locations have rallied in support of the administration led by President Bola Tinubu, advocating for the rejection of violent protests. Simultaneously, a significant number of women in Bayelsa State have been observed carrying placards with the same anti-protest message.
In response to the online discourse, human rights lawyer Festus Ogun took to Facebook, expressing disbelief at the idea of impoverished and unemployed individuals protesting against protests. Similarly, another individual, Ifeanyi, highlighted concerns that some groups on the streets vehemently opposing protests may inadvertently attract the very elements they fear, such as hoodlums hijacking the situation.
Observations of the "No Protest In Lagos" demonstration on Lagos Island have been made, with the absence of security personnel noted by a user under the handle @ayemojubar, questioning the potential for avoiding hijacking of such a protest.