Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to instruct the police to refrain from using tear gas on peaceful protesters.
This call comes amid reports of clashes between police and protesters following the launch of the #endbadgovernment movements across Nigeria on August 1, 2024. Incidents occurred in multiple states, including Abuja, Lagos, Kano, and Borno.
In Abuja, police used tear gas to disperse a small group of protesters at Eagles Square, despite the protest being approved for Moshood Abiola National Stadium.
The Nation reported that police fired tear gas canisters into the air, but the protesters continued their march.
Similar scenes unfolded at the Lekki tollgate in Lagos State, where tear gas was also used to disperse protesters, sparking widespread outrage on social media.
Iyabo Ojo took to Instagram on August 1, 2024, to denounce the police actions. Sharing videos of the violence, she called on President Tinubu and the police to allow the protests to proceed peacefully.
She emphasized that peaceful protest is a right, urging the authorities to avoid unnecessary use of force.
She wrote in one post:
“Why are they throwing teargas? 🤷♀️@nigeriapoliceforce #peacefulprotest is their right.”
In another post:
“But why?It’s a #peacefulprotest for God sake & it’s their right.”
