Nigerians say they’ve suffered enough [PHOTOS]

The protest was initially championed by musician, 2Face Idibia, but he backed out on Saturday, February 4, via a video posted on Instagram.

“Dear Nigerians!!! Due to security concerns and public safety consideration, I hereby announce the cancellation of the planned March,” 2Face wrote.

The musician seemed to be reading an earlier script handed to him by the police who warned that the protest could be hijacked by thugs.

However, this did not stop advocacy group, Enough is Enough (EiE) Nigeria from proceeding with the protest.

“We respect 2baba's security concerns but the rallies in Lagos and Abuja will hold,” the group wrote.

The Lagos protest was slated for 8am, but eventually started at about 9:30am with a speech from Reverend Leo Olu-Martins.

“2Face is insignificant. He's like a Moses that has been left behind. Many Joshuas are here to move things forward,” Olu-Martins said referring to 2Face’s decision to cancel the protest.

Olu-Martins also spoke on the significance of starting the march at the National Stadium which he said was a glaring symbol of government neglect.

Enough is Enough director, Yemi Adamolekun, in her speech, condemned the government for not being transparent enough in its affairs.

She also urged protesters to maintain the peace to prevent from proving the police right on claims that the protest could be hijacked.

“Protests achieve a lot. The fact that government wants to stop the protest shows that it matters,” Adamolekun said.

Comedian, Seyi Law criticized the government over the insecurity in the country, lack of constant power supply and the current economic crisis.

He also spoke on the controversy surrounding President Buhari’s 10-day medical vacation, which has now been extended indefinitely.

“This government needs to change its cabinet… there are inexperienced people in the wrong ministries,” Seyi Law said speaking in pidgin English.

“We have been hearing that our president is sick, but they claimed he was on vacation. Now that it’s time for him to come back, they said he’s sick,” he added.

The Lagos protest march began at about 10:25am as demonstrators left the stadium for the streets.

They marched to Ojuelegba and then negotiated the foot of the bridge for the National Theatre in Iganmu.

The protest gained momentum when eccentric entertainment personality, Charly Boy, joined the crowd with chants of “Our mumu don do,” pidgin for “We’ll no longer be fools.”

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore also joined the protest.

The protesters took turns to chant names of politicians and political parties in a call and response song which was supported with screams of “ole,” which is Yoruba for “thief.”

Placards being carried had descriptive captions such as “There is enough in Nigeria for all of us to chop belleful,” “People die daily for lack of basic affordable healthcare,” “I will no longer be quiet” and “Food, medicine, everything is 3 times more expensive but salaries haven’t increased,” among others.

Protesters also sang along to revolutionary music which blared from loudspeakers and included songs from Afrobeat legend, Fela and ironically enough, 2Face.

The crowd eventually arrived at the National Theatre at about 12pm and gathered on the lawn in front of the national building.

Another round of speeches followed and Olu-Martins informed protesters that the demonstrations would continue until the government gives Nigerians the country they deserve.

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Mr Sowore, while speaking, said that Nigeria needs a revolution very much like the one which occurred in Egypt, but Ms Adamolekun clarified that the movement was not to encourage a revolt, but to give Nigerians a platform to express themselves.

Charly Boy continued his announcement that Nigerians had been “mumus” for long enough and announced that he would be organizing a protest of his own in March.

The crowd was eventually dispersed at about 12:20pm after a rendition of the National Anthem and a jolt of reality delivered by Idris Abdulkarim’s “Nigeria jaga jaga.”