The #EndBadGovernance Movement called on the Lagos State Police Command to ensure the safety of peaceful protesters during their planned demonstration on October 1, 2024. This call was made during a press conference held at the International Press Centre in Ogba, Lagos.
The movement is gearing up for a significant protest that aims to draw attention to the growing economic challenges faced by Nigerians. These issues include the soaring prices of fuel, increased electricity tariffs, and overall inflation.
In a letter sent earlier this week, the police invited prominent members of the Take It Back Movement, including its National Coordinator, Sanyaolu Juwon, for a meeting with the new Lagos Commissioner of Police, Olanrewaju Ishola, to discuss “issues of national interests.”
However, the group suggested that the meeting be held virtually, as many of its members are currently outside Lagos.
During the press conference, the #EndBadGovernance Movement urged Nigerians from all walks of life to participate in the protest, which is intended to highlight the government’s failure to address pressing economic issues.
The statement was signed by key figures including Hassan Taiwo, the National Coordinator of the Education Rights Campaign; Abiodun Aremu, Secretary of the Joint Action Front; and Francis Nwapa, National Secretary of the Youth Rights Campaign.
The movement pointed out that the upcoming protest is a response to the government’s neglect of the demands made during their previous demonstrations in August.
During that period, protesters called for significant changes, including the reversal of the fuel subsidy removal, a halt to fee increases in public institutions, and a review of the nation’s constitution. Unfortunately, many of the protesters faced arrests, with accusations of violence directed towards them by law enforcement.
“None of the demands of our 10 days of rage in August has been met,” the movement emphasized, highlighting that petrol prices have now risen to between N900 and over N1,000 per litre. This situation has placed an unbearable financial burden on ordinary citizens, which the group describes as “intolerable.”
The #EndBadGovernance Movement is encouraging all Nigerians who are suffering due to these economic policies to come together on October 1 and demand change. They believe that this day should be a unifying moment for everyone impacted by these “anti-poor policies.”
In addition to calling for protection during the protest, the group reminded the Lagos State Police Command of their responsibilities under the Police Establishment Act to safeguard the rights of peaceful protesters. They affirmed that the demonstration will be conducted in a peaceful manner, urging law enforcement agencies to respect the right of citizens to assemble.
The movement also called for the immediate release of detained activists, including Adaramoye Michael, known as Lenin, along with other journalists and protesters who have been incarcerated for exercising their rights.
The planned protest is set to begin at 7:30 AM under the Ikeja Bridge, with demonstrators expected to march through various locations in Lagos, signaling their demand for urgent reforms and an end to the ongoing economic hardships.
