The organizers of the #FearlessOctober1 protest have vowed to proceed with their demonstration despite the deployment of police, Department of State Services, and military personnel. Nigeria will celebrate its 64th independence on October 1, and the protest aims to address the hardship caused by fuel subsidy removal and naira devaluation.
Juwon Sanyaolu, National Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement, stated, “We have written to the Inspector General of Police, informing him of our protest locations and reminding him of the constitutional duty of the police to protect protesters.” The protest will take place across the country, with specific locations in Abuja’s Eagle Square and Lagos’s Ikeja Under Bridge.
The organizers emphasized that only the immediate reversal of fuel subsidy removal would stop the protest. Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has directed security personnel to deploy from Monday, but protest leaders remain resolute.
Omoyele Sowore, a protest leader, said, “Nobody has expressed fear to us because they know we are not violent protesters; maybe you should ask that of the government.” Deji Adeyanju, lawyer to the organizers, added, “The police do not have the right to summon protesters like they are currently doing. It is the responsibility of the police to protect the protesters.”
Damilare Adenola, Director of Mobilisation, listed key demands, including subsidy removal reversal, constitutional amendment, legislative overhaul, and unconditional release of protesters in police custody. “We are unperturbed by the threats issued by security agencies,” Adenola said.
Peluola Adewale, Secretary of the Democratic Socialist Movement, warned against government-sponsored violence and emphasized the protest’s peaceful nature. “Protest is our fundamental right, and we cannot surrender it to the police or anyone.”
Taiwo Hassan, another protest leader, highlighted the importance of freedom of expression and lawful assembly. “We are never going to submit our rights… Hunger is killing people, and the state of insecurity means none of us is safe.”
In Katsina State, the police command has assured protesters of safety, deploying personnel to prevent chaos and maintain law and order.
The #FearlessOctober1 protest seeks to address pressing national issues, and its organizers remain determined despite potential security challenges.
Peace OdekunleSeptember 29, 20241 Mins read
