The organizers of the upcoming nationwide protest scheduled for October 1 have formally requested adequate security from the Nigerian Police to ensure the safety of their participants. This request was outlined in a statement jointly issued by several groups, including the Education Rights Campaign (ERC), Movement for Fundamental Change (MFC), Youth Rights Campaign (YRC), Joint Action Front (JAF), and Pan-African Consciousness Renaissance (PACOR-Nigeria).
During a press briefing on Thursday, Hassan Soweto, the national coordinator of the ERC, urged Nigerians to participate in peaceful protests against what he described as “anti-poor policies.” The march in Lagos is set to begin at 7:30 a.m. at the Ikeja underbridge, with participants expected to traverse various streets to raise awareness about their cause.
The organizers have also appealed to Olanrewaju Ishola, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, to fulfill his obligation under the Police Establishment Act of 2020, which mandates the provision of security for public meetings, rallies, and protests. They emphasized the urgency of their message, stating that if their demands are not addressed promptly, further protests will follow the National Day of Survival.
In their statement, the organizers highlighted their motivation for the protest, emphasizing the need to “redeem our nation” from the current administration’s policies. They expressed disappointment that none of the demands made during their previous protests in August have been met, criticizing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritizing luxury acquisitions over the needs of struggling Nigerians.
They pointed to the recent spike in fuel prices, which now range from N900 to N1900 per litre, as a key factor exacerbating the hardship faced by citizens. This increase, they argue, has led to soaring food prices and rendered the newly instituted N70,000 minimum wage ineffective in alleviating economic distress.
The organizers noted that the rise in costs has also hurt businesses, with many multinational companies exiting Nigeria, resulting in job losses. They have declared October 1, 2024, as a “National Day of Survival,” calling on workers, students, and the unemployed to join peaceful protests against the severe hardships imposed by the government’s policies, including hikes in fuel and electricity prices.
Additionally, they demand the immediate release of all detained protesters from the #EndSARS and #EndBadGovernance movements, as well as the liberation of journalists, activists, and whistleblowers facing state repression.
Written By; Christopher Emuakpeje