A coalition of American workers, students, and activists is urging the Nigerian government to halt its ongoing repression of #EndBadGovernance protesters. In a letter addressed to the Nigerian Embassy in the United States, the group condemned the harsh treatment of demonstrators and demanded their immediate release.
The letter also called for a reassessment of Nigeria’s economic policies, particularly those influenced by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank. According to the coalition, these policies are worsening poverty and unemployment in the country.
The coalition emphasized that substantial efforts are needed to create jobs and reduce poverty, which they believe are the underlying causes of the widespread unrest in Nigeria.
The letter was signed by several prominent figures, including John Parker from the Harriet Tubman Center for Social Justice in Los Angeles, Sharon Black of the Peoples Power Assembly in Washington, DC/Maryland/Virginia, and Gloria Verdieu of the Coalition to Free Mumia Abu-Jamal in San Diego. Other signatories include Berta Joubert of Struggle/La Lucha for Socialism in Puerto Rico, Maggie Vascassenno of Women In Struggle in Los Angeles, Gary Wilson of Struggle/La Lucha for Socialism in New York, and Andrew Mayton of Youth Against War & Racism in Baltimore.
The coalition also condemned the austerity measures imposed by the IMF and World Bank, arguing that such policies are impoverishing not only Nigerians but also workers and the poor in the United States. They expressed their solidarity with the Nigerian protesters, stating, “The protesters are not your enemy. We stand shoulder to shoulder with our comrades in Nigeria, fighting for an end to poverty, unemployment, and hunger.”
The letter highlighted the mass protests that took place across Nigeria from August 1 to 10, 2024. Tens of thousands of Nigerians participated, calling for an end to the austerity measures that they say are deepening the country’s economic woes. During the protests, government forces reportedly fired live ammunition into crowds, resulting in the deaths of up to 50 innocent people.
The coalition noted that over 2,000 Nigerians were arrested during the 10-day protests, with arrests continuing, often during nighttime raids on the homes of suspected activists.
The letter also addressed an August 7 raid by government security forces on the headquarters of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). During the raid, printed materials and other documents were seized. The coalition called for the return of these materials and an end to the attacks on the NLC, stating, “We stand in solidarity with the just demands of the people for jobs, reduced prices for food and other essential items, and support for families.”
In conclusion, the coalition demanded the immediate release of all #EndBadGovernance detainees. They urged the Nigerian government to drop the baseless charges, cease the ongoing raids and detentions, provide legal representation for those detained, and focus its efforts on challenging the IMF and World Bank, rather than targeting its own citizens.
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