In anticipation of nationwide protests scheduled for October 1st, organizers of the demonstrations against hardship in Nigeria remain firm in their decision to proceed, despite calls for calm from the government and stakeholders. The protests, planned to coincide with Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day, aim to highlight the government’s failure to address previous demands.
Deji Adeyanju, a lawyer representing some of the protesters arrested during a similar event on August 1st, stated that the protest will go ahead because none of the demands raised earlier have been met by the government. Adeyanju explained, “the issues from the August 1 nationwide peaceful protest have not been addressed, citizens have the right to protest.”
According to Adeyanju, President Bola Tinubu had promised to engage with the protesters, but no action has been taken since then. He added that the lack of response shows a disregard for the people’s concerns. Protesters will take to the streets on October 1st, advocating for their constitutional right to peaceful protest.
In response, police forces in various states, including Lagos and Jigawa, have been deployed to maintain order. The Lagos Police Command met with the protest organizers and assured them of security but urged them to limit their activities to designated areas. Similarly, the Lagos State government reiterated that protests should be confined to two venues, namely Freedom Park and Peace Park, in order to prevent disruption of public life.
The Jigawa State Police have also confirmed the deployment of officers to secure critical public assets and ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order. Despite these measures, no group has yet formally informed the Jigawa police of plans to protest.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government, through Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, has urged the public to refrain from violence and allow the government more time to address the nation’s challenges. The government emphasized that its various policies are designed to improve the well-being of Nigerians.
In Kogi State, Police Commissioner Bethrand Onuoha made a similar appeal, asking the protest organizers to be patient as the government works on fixing the economy.
Despite police warnings and prior arrests, protesters appear undeterred. Adeyanju reminded that it is the police’s duty to protect citizens’ rights, including the right to peaceful assembly. He also highlighted the police’s failure to respond to a proposal for a virtual meeting with protesters.
“Protesters are aware of their constitutional rights, and they will not be discouraged,” Adeyanju said, emphasizing that the protests will continue for as long as necessary. He also noted that the duration of the protest would be determined by the organizers once the demonstration begins.
The demands of the protesters include reducing fuel prices and electricity tariffs, ensuring the functionality of government refineries, lowering food prices, addressing insecurity, and ending corruption. In addition, the movement is pushing for the release of arrested protesters from previous demonstrations, as well as the implementation of a new minimum wage of N70,000.
The protests are expected to take place across several states, with organizers calling on citizens, youth groups, trade unions, and students to join the movement.
In Lagos, organizers have confirmed that the protest will begin under the Ikeja Under-bridge, with plans to march to Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ojota. They have assured the police that the protests will be peaceful and urged citizens to come out in large numbers to express their dissatisfaction with the current economic policies.
