Despite calls from some stakeholders and the Federal Government for calm, organizers of the October 1 protests against the country’s economic hardship are pushing forward with plans for tomorrow’s demonstrations.
Lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju, representing protesters from the August 1 demonstrations, explained that the fresh protests are a result of the government’s failure to address their earlier demands. He emphasized that President Bola Tinubu’s promise to engage with the protesters has not been fulfilled.
In response to the planned protests, the Jigawa State Police Command will deploy officers today in preparation. Meanwhile, in Lagos, the state’s police command met with the protest organizers and assured them of security. The Lagos State government reiterated that the protests will be restricted to two designated venues, warning that protesters will not be permitted in other areas to avoid disruption.
The Federal Government also urged the protesters to avoid violence. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, called on Nigerians to remain peaceful as the country celebrates its 64th Independence anniversary, emphasizing the government’s commitment to peace, unity, and prosperity. He urged citizens to see the opportunities in the government’s policies and work towards betterment.
Adeyanju, however, insists there is no turning back on the protest, stressing that none of the issues from the August 1 protests have been addressed. He emphasized the right of citizens to protest, calling it a constitutionally guaranteed right that the government must protect. He added that citizens are determined to exercise this right despite intimidation or attempts to criminalize the movement.
Adeyanju also highlighted that the police are obligated under the Police Act to protect protesters exercising their constitutional rights. He mentioned that while the police had reached out for a meeting, the protesters had suggested a virtual meeting, which the police did not accept.
On the release of detained protesters, Adeyanju noted that many have been granted bail, though some remain in custody. Efforts are being made to secure their release, and Adeyanju revealed that they are in court today for further proceedings. He also called for diplomatic community intervention, criticizing the lack of international involvement in the issue.
In Kogi State, the Commissioner of Police, Bethrand Onuoha, appealed to protest organizers to give President Tinubu more time to address the country’s challenges. Following a meeting with the “Take It Back Movement” Kogi chapter, the group agreed to remain peaceful and patient.
In Lagos, Commissioner of Police Olanrewaju Ishola met with protest organizers and assured them of security measures. He ordered the deployment of resources across key locations and urged officers to remain professional and civil. The protest organizers promised that they and their followers would remain peaceful.
Lagos protest organizers announced that the protest will commence from Ikeja Under-bridge, marching to Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park in Ojota. They emphasized that the October 1 protest, titled the “National Day of Survival,” is an opportunity for Nigerians to unite and demand an end to policies causing hardship. Organizers urged citizens to participate peacefully, stating that if their demands are not met, more protests will follow.
The Lagos State government reiterated its directive restricting protests to designated venues, emphasizing that any attempt to hold protests outside these areas would be unlawful. The government emphasized that the restriction is necessary to ensure public safety and prevent a repeat of violence experienced during the #EndSARS protests.
In Jigawa, the police confirmed their readiness to provide security, though no group has formally approached them regarding the protest. The police will begin deploying officers to protect critical infrastructure in the state.
Meanwhile, in Katsina State, no group has publicly expressed interest in the protests, and those involved in previous protests are still facing legal action. The police have made preparations to maintain law and order.
The National Association of University Students (NAUS) has called on students to refrain from participating in the October 1 protests. Instead, NAUS announced plans to engage in dialogue with authorities to address the interests of students. They urged the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) to ensure uniform petrol prices across the country and to make Nigeria’s refineries operational.
