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10 biggest protests in history
Throughout history, some of the largest protests have played a crucial role in challenging unjust laws, holding governments accountable, and promoting change. At times, these demonstrations have mobilized massive crowds, becoming pivotal moments in world history.
Even though not all major protests achieve their goals, they leave a lasting impact on society, frequently inspiring similar movements around the world and across generations.
Here are ten notable protests in modern history amid the demonstrations in Nigeria and United Kingdom.
1. Indian Farmers Protest (2020-2021)
Image credit: Getty/ Hindustan Times
The Indian farmers’ protest began in late 2020, with farmers from Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh protesting against three farm bills passed by the Indian government. The bills were seen as favoring large corporations over small farmers, leading to widespread demonstrations across the country. The protests, marked by massive rallies and a prolonged sit-in at the Delhi border, drew international attention and resulted in the repeal of the controversial laws in November 2021.
2. George Floyd and Black Lives Matter (2020)
Image credit: Getty/ OLIVIER DOULIERY)
The murder of George Floyd by a police officer in Minneapolis on May 25, 2020, sparked global outrage and a wave of protests under the banner of Black Lives Matter (BLM). Demonstrators took to the streets across the U.S. and worldwide, demanding justice for Floyd and addressing systemic racism and police brutality. The protests reignited conversations on racial inequality and led to calls for reform in policing practices.
3. Women’s March (2017)
image credit: Getty/ Bettmann
The Women’s March, held on January 21, 2017, was one of the largest single-day protests in U.S. history. In response to Donald Trump’s inauguration as President, millions of people—primarily women but including supporters of all genders—gathered in Washington, D.C., and cities around the world. The march focused on advocating for women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and racial equality, and became an important moment in the broader women’s rights movement.
4. Anti-Iraq War Protests (2003)
credit: Getty Images News)
On February 15, 2003, millions of people worldwide protested against the impending U.S.-led invasion of Iraq. The demonstrations took place in major cities globally, including London, New York, and Sydney. The protests reflected widespread opposition to the war, which many viewed as unjust and based on questionable evidence. This global outcry had a major impact on public opinion and policy discussions regarding the Iraq War.
5. Tiananmen Square (1989)
(Image credit: Getty/ Archive Photos
The Tiananmen Square protests began in April 1989 with student-led demonstrations in Beijing calling for political reform, freedom of speech, and other democratic ideals. The movement grew into a mass protest involving millions. The Chinese government’s violent crackdown in June, known as the Tiananmen Square Massacre, resulted in numerous deaths and remains a sensitive and censored topic in China.
6. The Baltic Way (1989)
On August 23, 1989, approximately two million people formed a human chain spanning over 600 kilometers across the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Known as the Baltic Way, this peaceful protest marked the 50th anniversary of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, which led to the occupation of the Baltic states by the Soviet Union. The demonstration was a powerful call for independence and played an influential role in the eventual dissolution of the Soviet Union.
7. People’s Protest (1986)
The EDSA People Power Revolution of 1986 in the Philippines was a non-violent protest that led to the end of Ferdinand Marcos’s 20-year authoritarian rule. Over four days, millions of Filipinos gathered along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) in Metro Manila, calling for democratic reforms and an end to corruption. The peaceful uprising, marked by mass demonstrations, prayers, and human chains, resulted in Marcos fleeing the country and Corazon Aquino, the opposition leader’s widow, being inaugurated as president, restoring democracy in the Philippines.
8. Earth Day (1970)
(Image credit: Getty)
The first Earth Day, held on April 22, 1970, was a major environmental protest that drew millions of Americans to advocate for environmental protection and raise awareness about pollution and ecological issues. Founded by Senator Gaylord Nelson, Earth Day played a crucial role in the establishment of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of key environmental legislation.
9. France in May (1968)
Image credit: Getty/ Michael Ochs Archives
The May 1968 protests in France were a series of student-led demonstrations and general strikes that challenged the political and social order. The movement, which began at universities and spread to involve workers and intellectuals, called for educational reform, labor rights, and broader societal changes. The protests had a lasting impact on French society and politics.
10. The Salt March (1930)
The Salt March, led by Mahatma Gandhi, was a 240-mile march to the Arabian Sea to protest British colonial rule in India. Starting on March 12, 1930, Gandhi and his followers aimed to defy British salt laws by producing salt from the sea. The march garnered massive international attention and was a crucial event in the Indian independence movement, highlighting the effectiveness of nonviolent resistance.
THIS STORY FIRST APPEARED IN VANGUARD
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No going back on forex, subsidy reforms – Finance minister
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, says there is no going back on the current administration’s reforms in the forex and oil and gas sectors.
Edun made this known when he received the newly assigned Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka Anitez at the Ministry’s headquarters, on Monday.
“Nigeria now have a foreign exchange rate that is market based and also a deregulated oil market pricing which are two reforms that are long overdue over many decades that President Tinubu is currently implementing.
“Therefore as co-ordinating minister of economy, we stand on a threshold of a new dawn to implement these reforms and increase productivity, create jobs and reducing poverty and we are glad to have a minister of state that will help in actualizing the President’s reforms,” he said.
According to him, consultation and collaboration is key to achieving these key reforms both from public and private sector, stressing that ongoing economic policies are showing sustainability and sign of success.
The Minister of State for Finance, in her response, restated her commitment to work with stakeholders in both private and public sectors to ensure economic growth is materialized.
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Rivers: Fubara fond of disobeying judgements, – Amaewhule-led Assembly
The Martins Amaewhule-led House of Assembly in Rivers State said Governor Siminialayi Fubara has a penchant to disobey courts’ judgements and constitutional provisions.
This is as the lawmakers also vowed to make Fubara’s appointees and permanent secretaries aiding him to circumvent the law have their date with the law.
They stated this during their 65th sitting on Monday in the legislative quarters.
In a statement by Martin’s Wachukwu, Special Assistant on Media to the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, said the lawmakers reviewed the governor’s actions while deliberating on the recent judgement of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division.
The state legistators comnended the verdict of Justice J.O. Abdulmalik barring government from withdrawing from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the State, until the 2024 Appropriation Bill is presented before a properly constituted Assembly describing it as a sound and well considered ruling.
The statement also pointed out that the Assembly on 15th July, 2024 deliberated and resolved on the continuous refusal of Fubara to present the 2024 Rivers State Appropriation Bill to the House.
The lawmakers then took the decision to write to the governor to shut down on expenditure pursuant to Section 122 of the 1999 Constitution.
Enabled by its resolution, the House and Amaewhule filed an action before the Federal High Court to determine whether Fubara could expend or continue to expend from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the State without a valid 2024 Appropriation Law by the State House of Assembly.
The lawmakers prayed the court to invoke the consequences of such constitutional breach by ordering the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Accountant- General of the Federation, some Money Deposit Banks among other defendants to stop the release of moneys or permit the withdrawal of Rivers State funds until Fubara complied with the Constitution which he swore to uphold; and the court decided in favour of the House and the Speaker.
Commenting on the judgement, Amaewhule said, “Since 1st of July, 2024, Governor Fubara has been spending moneys of the State without approval hence the declaration of the shutdown of expenditure.
“Yet, the Governor in his characteristic manner of disobeying judgements of Courts, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and extant laws has continued to circumvent the Law with the aid of Permanent Secretaries, and some individuals who parade themselves as Commissioners. They will certainly have a date with the Law”.
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NAF Airstrikes neutralize ISWAP commander, dozens of others
The Nigerian Airforce says its airstrike has neutralized 50 terrorists, including a high-ranking ISWAP commander known as Bashir Dauda, during an operation in Marte Local Government
Air Commodore Olusola F Akinboyewa, Director, Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, in a statement on Monday night said the precision strikes focused on known ISWAP strongholds in the villages of Tumbun Daribiyar, Jubularam, Buluwa, and Tumbu Karfe, marking a major effort in the ongoing fight against terrorism in Nigeria’s Northeast.
It said an on-ground assessment confirmed that “approximately 50 terrorists, including a high-ranking ISWAP commander known as Bashir Dauda, were neutralized in the operation.”
” Additionally, an ISWAP supply depot in the Jubularam enclave, filled with a substantial cache of food and essential items like beans, millet, and rice, was destroyed, effectively severing a critical resource line for the terrorists.
“These successful air strikes, targeting personnel and logistics, underscore NAF’s ongoing commitment to supporting ground forces and enhancing joint efforts to decimate terrorist strongholds in the region,” he said.
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