Nigerian youths are set to take to the streets on October 1 to protest the country’s economic hardship, sparked by fuel subsidy removal and naira devaluation.
The protest, tagged #FearlessOctober1, will hold across the country, with organizers vowing not to be intimidated by police and military presence.
The protest will take place at Eagle Square in Abuja, the same venue as the Independence Day parade, and at Ikeja Under Bridge in Lagos. Organizers have informed the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, of their plans and requested security during the demonstration.
The National Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, and Director of Mobilisation, Damilare Adenola, listed their demands, including:
– _Reversal of fuel subsidy removal_
– _Amendment of the constitution_
– _Overhauling of the legislature_
– _Unconditional release of protesters in police custody_
The Katsina State Police Command has assured protesters of safety, with measures in place to prevent chaos m. ASP Abubakar Sadiq stated, “We have taken proactive measures to ensure public safety and security. Adequate personnel have been deployed to prevent any breakdown of law and order.”
Leaders of the protest, including Omoyele Sowore and Deji Adeyanju, expressed determination to proceed with the demonstration, despite police presence. Sowore said, “Nobody has expressed to us or anyone that they’re afraid because they know we are not violent protesters; maybe you should ask that of the government.”
About eight civil society groups will participate in the Lagos protest, with the Secretary of the Democratic Socialist Movement, Peluola Adewale, warning against government-sponsored violence ⁴ ⁵. Adewale stated, “We cannot rule out the fact that the government can sponsor violence to discredit the protest, but we want to warn them against that.”
