By Uzair Adam
Organizers of the October 1 protest against economic hardship in Nigeria remain firm in their decision to move forward, despite the Federal Government’s call for calm and requests for the demonstration to be canceled.
One of the lawyers representing those detained in the August 1 protests, Deji Adeyanju, highlighted the government’s failure to address previous demands as the main reason for the new wave of protests.
According to Adeyanju, the government has made no progress on issues raised earlier, and President Bola Tinubu’s promise to engage with protesters has gone unfulfilled.
As a result, police commands in several states, including Lagos and Jigawa, are preparing for the protests.
In Lagos, the police have met with protest organizers, assuring them of security while maintaining restrictions on the protest areas to prevent disruptions.
The Lagos State government has reaffirmed that the protest must be confined to two designated venues: Freedom Park and Peace Park, to maintain order.
In response to the planned protests, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, appealed to Nigerians to remain peaceful as the country marks its 64th Independence Day and celebrates 25 years of democracy.
Idris emphasized the government’s commitment to peace, unity, and prosperity, urging citizens to see the opportunities in the administration’s policies.
However, Adeyanju and other protest leaders argue that citizens have the constitutional right to protest, especially when their demands have not been met.
“The government cannot ignore the voices of the people,” Adeyanju stated.
“The promise to engage was never fulfilled, and the issues remain unresolved.”
In Jigawa State, police authorities have announced the deployment of officers to ensure security at critical locations across the state.
While no group has officially approached the police about the protest, they are taking precautions to prevent any potential disruptions.
Similar measures are being taken in Lagos, where the police have engaged with protest organizers and promised security while emphasizing the need for a peaceful demonstration.
The Lagos Commissioner of Police, Olanrewaju Ishola, assured organizers that security would be tight and urged them to remain law-abiding.
The protest in Lagos is expected to commence from Ikeja and proceed to Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ojota.
The protest, organized by the “Take It Back Movement,” is aimed at addressing widespread economic challenges, including rising fuel and food prices.
Organizers demand a reversal of fuel price hikes and electricity tariffs to pre-May 29 levels, the revitalization of government refineries, and measures to reduce food prices.
Other demands include addressing insecurity, banditry, and terrorism, as well as the implementation of a N70,000 national minimum wage.
Protesters are also calling for the unconditional release of those detained during previous protests, including journalists and activists.
The organizers have made it clear that more protests will follow if their demands are not met.
The Lagos State government has maintained its stance on restricting the protest to designated areas.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, through the State Attorney-General, Lawal Pedro, SAN, emphasized that while the government does not oppose peaceful protests, it must be done within legal boundaries.
The state government insists that protests should be confined to Freedom and Peace Parks to prevent the disruption of daily activities and to safeguard public safety.
As the October 1 protest approaches, the government and protest organizers remain at an impasse, with security forces on high alert and citizens preparing to exercise their right to demonstrate peacefully.