In a dramatic display of civil unrest, an unnamed man stripped naked to protest the ongoing economic hardship plaguing Nigeria’s citizens.
The incident unfolded on the streets of Ojota, Lagos, on Thursday, amidst a nationwide protest against the government’s perceived mismanagement of the country’s affairs.
The viral video circulating on social media captured the man walking among other protesters, singing “Solidarity forever” in his unclothed state. This symbolic act underscored the desperation and frustration felt by many Nigerians as they grapple with the country’s prevailing economic challenges.
The nationwide protest, dubbed the “#EndbadgovernanceinNigeria” campaign, erupted on August 1, 2024, with citizens from various parts of the country taking to the streets to voice their concerns. In Lagos, protesters defied a court order that had confined them to specific areas, instead flooding the streets, roads, and the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park to express their grievances.
Benjamin Hundeyin, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, assured the public that the police were on the ground to ensure the safety and security of both protesters and non-protesters. In a statement posted on X.com, Hundeyin said, “The area is calm! The Commissioner of Police, CP Adegoke Fayoade, mni, has visited the protest ground at Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ojota, Lagos and met the protesters being peaceful. He equally checked Alausa, Lekki toll gate and other parts of the state and found them peaceful too. Non-protesting Lagosians have also been going about their lawful duties without harassment or intimidation.”
The dramatic protest by the naked man has become a symbol of the dire economic conditions faced by many Nigerians, underscoring the urgent need for the government to address the country’s pressing economic challenges.
