The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has tightened security across the country as organisers of the October 1 protest remain firm on their decision to go ahead with the demonstration planned for Independence Day.
Two months after the #EndBadGovernance protest, several groups have been mobilizing citizens for a fresh protest on the 64th Independence Day anniversary. The demonstration, tagged #FearlessOctober1, is a continuation of the #Endbadgovernance protest held earlier in August. According to the organizers, the protest is necessary due to “the failure of the Federal Government to address key demands such as hunger, rising cost of living, insecurity, and the need for electoral reforms.”
Human rights advocate Omoyele Sowore, leader of the protest, stated, “We are fully prepared. Our organizers are on the ground and will not be going into hiding. These are revolutionary times, and Nigerians will hit the streets en masse starting from 7 am on October 1.”
The protest in Lagos is set to commence at Ikeja Under Bridge at 7:30 am, while the Abuja protest will take place at the Eagle Square, the same venue for the Independence Day parade.
Reacting to the planned protest, the Federal Government urged Nigerians to refrain from any form of violence during the Independence Day celebration. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, appealed for calm: “The government of President Bola Tinubu is committed to ensuring peace, unity, and prosperity for all. It is also important for Nigerians to see opportunities in the various policies of the government and use them for their betterment.”
However, Deji Adeyanju, a protest organiser, stressed that there was no going back: “The issues from the August 1 nationwide peaceful protest have not been addressed, and citizens have the right to protest. Despite the government’s attempts to intimidate, protesters remain determined to exercise their constitutionally guaranteed rights.”
He added, “They are hitting the streets on October 1 because none of their demands have been met, despite the President’s promises to engage with them. The President has refused to engage, which shows he takes the people for granted.”
As the protest draws near, police across the nation have heightened security. In Niger State, Police Commissioner Shawulu Danmamman has ordered enhanced police visibility in Suleja and Minna to prevent any disturbances. In Lagos, Kano, and Kaduna, police have also stationed personnel at strategic points to avoid any violence.
The Commissioner of Police in Kogi State, Bethrand Onuoha, advised protesters to reconsider: “We urge the organizers to allow the government more time to address the economic challenges.”
The Borno, Kwara, and Ogun State commands similarly confirmed they were ready to deploy personnel to maintain peace during the celebrations. Ogun State’s Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, noted that they had “engaged with community groups to discourage unauthorized protests.”
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has warned opposition parties not to encourage Nigerian youths to partake in the protest, fearing it could lead to anarchy. APC National Publicity Director, Bala Ibrahim, cautioned: “Much as protest is a permitted tool under democracy, abuse of that tool is dangerous. My advice is for them to exercise patience and continue to have faith in the President. He has said time and again that he means well for the country, especially for the youth.”
In contrast, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) distanced itself from any orchestration of the protest. PDP National Deputy Publicity Secretary, Abdullahi Ibrahim, said, “It’s not the opposition pushing this. The hardship faced by Nigerians speaks for itself. This government has been an embarrassment right from the time they took over power in 2023.”
Labour Party Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, added, “The masses are feeling the pang of hunger. It’s within their right to protest when they’re paying more for fuel, electricity, and food. No one needs to tell them; they experience it every day,” He said.
