October 1 PROTEST: #EndBadGovt Organisers Alerts Tinubu With 17 Demands, Tells Him To Prepare For This Soon
Thousands of predominantly young Nigerians took to the streets on Thursday, expressing their frustration over the country’ s worsening cost- of- living crisis, which has been described as the worst in a generation. In several cities, including the capital, Abuja, demonstrators gathered to protest against the economic hardships that have plagued the nation. Security forces, in response, deployed tear gas to disperse the crowds, leading to chaotic scenes in some areas.
The protests, organized under the banner of #EndBadGovernance, reflect growing discontent with the current administration’ s handling of the economy and governance issues. The organizers have presented a 17- point ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding immediate action on a range of issues affecting the Nigerian populace. These demands are part of a larger plan for nationwide demonstrations set for October 1, 2024.
Among the key demands is the immediate and unconditional release of all detained protesters, many of whom have been imprisoned following previous peaceful demonstrations. The movement also calls for the unfreezing of assets belonging to these protesters and compensation for the emotional and financial hardships they have endured. Organizers argue that the government’ s crackdown on peaceful protests is a violation of basic human rights and must be addressed urgently.
Omoyele Sowore, one of the prominent figures behind the #EndBadGovernance movement, outlined the demands in a statement released on Tuesday. Sowore’ s list includes the abolition of the 1999 Constitution, which he claims is outdated and not representative of the people’ s will. He advocates for the creation of a new, people- driven constitution that reflects Nigeria’ s diverse society and meets the needs of its citizens.
Other demands from the movement include significant economic reforms. They are calling for a minimum wage of at least N250, 000 per month for Nigerian workers, arguing that current wages are insufficient to meet the rising costs of living. The movement is also pushing for substantial investment in education, advocating for grants instead of loans for Nigerian students and the pursuit of free, compulsory education for all children in Nigeria. This, they believe, is essential for the nation’ s development and the empowerment of its youth.
The #EndBadGovernance organizers have also called for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who has been detained by the government. They demand the demilitarization of the South- East region and the release and compensation of all #ENDSARS and political detainees. These actions, they argue, are necessary to promote peace, justice, and unity in the country.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with economic challenges and widespread public discontent, the demands of the #EndBadGovernance movement highlight the urgent need for reform. With planned protests set for October 1, the pressure is mounting on the government to respond to the growing calls for change and address the grievances of its citizens.
Whether these demands will lead to meaningful reform or further confrontation remains to be seen, but the message from the streets is clear: Nigerians are demanding a better future.
