Organizers Seek Police Security for October 1 Protest Against Bad Governance
The organizers of the nationwide protest scheduled for October 1 have reached out to the Nigerian Police, requesting adequate security measures for participants.
In a statement signed by 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), they expressed their intention to hold peaceful demonstrations against “anti-poor policies.”
During a press briefing on Thursday, Hassan Soweto, the national coordinator of ERC, encouraged Nigerians to join the protest, which is set to begin at 7:30 AM at the Ikeja underbridge in Lagos. Participants will march through various streets to raise awareness of their cause.
The organizers also urged Olanrewaju Ishola, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, to fulfill the police’s obligations under the Police Establishment Act 2020 by ensuring the safety of all demonstrators.
“This notice serves to inform the Commissioner of Police about our planned protest and to remind the police of their duty to provide security for citizens engaged in public gatherings, as stated in Section 83 (4) of the Police Establishment Act 2020,” the statement read.
The protest is intended as a warning and urgent appeal for the Tinubu administration to respond to their demands promptly. The organizers emphasized that if their requests are not addressed, further protests will follow after the National Day of Survival.
They articulated the need for the protest, stating, “We invite you on this journey to redeem our nation as we stand against the anti-poor policies of this regime.” They criticized the government for failing to meet the demands made during their previous protests in August, which they referred to as the “ten days of rage.”
The statement highlighted concerns over government spending, stating that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has prioritized luxury purchases for himself and his family while ignoring the plight of struggling Nigerians. They pointed out that recent fuel price hikes have exacerbated the already high cost of living, with prices ranging from N900 to N1900 per liter, a significant increase from less than N200 per liter two years ago.
The organizers emphasized that this fuel price increase has led to soaring food prices, rendering the N70,000 national minimum wage ineffective in providing relief for workers. They noted that the situation has forced numerous multinational companies to leave Nigeria, contributing to rising unemployment.
Consequently, the #EndBadGovernance Movement has declared October 1, 2024, as a “National Day of Survival.” They are calling on Nigerians—workers, students, youth, the unemployed, traders, and the impoverished—to join in peaceful protests against the harsh economic conditions resulting from government policies influenced by the IMF and World Bank.
Additionally, they are demanding the immediate release of all #EndSARS and #EndBadGovernance protesters currently in custody, as well as freedom for journalists, activists, and others who have faced state repression.
