2Baba cancels protest against Nigerian government

The announcement was made in a video posted to his Instagram page, in which he cites consideration of public safety as reason for the cancellation.

The protest had been planned in response to what 2Baba perceived as the worst economic crisis in the country, and had garnered support across Nigeria. But on Sunday, he announced the protests would hold no more.

“Dear Nigerians,” he said in a video posted on Sunday 5 February, “after due consultations, it has become clear that the #OneNigeria protest scheduled to hold in Lagos and Abuja on Monday the 6th of February is under serious threat of hijack by interests not aligned with our ideals.

“The point I’m intent on making is not worth the life of any Nigerian. It is, in fact, motivated by the need to demand a better deal for the ordinary Nigerian. I therefore announce the cancellation of the planned protest. We will share further information in due course. I appreciate the massive support and I am convinced our voice has been heard. May God bless you all and may God bless Nigeria.”

The protest, which was being organised with the support other civil society groups, had been under threat from law enforcement agencies, who warned against its conduct despite assurances from the presidency through Mr Laolu Akande, a special assistant to the Vice President, that “this administration will not prevent Nigerians from expressing themselves in peaceful protests, it's a fundamental right of the people.”

The Commissioner of Police in Lagos, Fatai Owoseni, however, said the police would disallow the protest to hold on grounds that it is illegal and hoodlums could hijack it.

Civil society groups such as the Enough Is Enough group, and individuals such as Charly Boy and comedian Seyi Law, have vowed to continue with the protest. But 2Baba’s announcement may lessen the impact of a potentially populist movement.