Less than 24 Hours To Go: Shock As Fearless Protesters Get Ready To Take Action- See States The Protest Will Start
The organizers of the #FearlessOctober1 protest have stated that neither the police, Department of State Services (DSS), nor the military will deter them from proceeding with their planned demonstration. The protest, scheduled for October 1, coincides with Nigeria’ s 64th Independence Day celebration. The protest aims to highlight the economic hardships caused by the removal of fuel subsidies and the devaluation of the naira.
In preparation for the protest, the organizers have written to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, requesting security for demonstrators, emphasizing that peaceful protest is a fundamental right protected by the constitution. According to Juwon Sanyaolu, National Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement, and Damilare Adenola, the group’ s Director of Mobilization, efforts to mobilize Nigerians from across the country are already underway.
Sanyaolu explained that the group had informed the police about their protest locations, reminding law enforcement of their duty to protect peaceful demonstrators. The protests in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will be held at Eagle Square, the same location as the Independence Day parade, while Lagos protests will take place at the Ikeja Under Bridge. The organizers have stated that the protest will continue nationwide unless the government reverses the fuel subsidy removal.
Despite directives from the Inspector General for zonal and state commands to deploy officers to strategic locations, the protest leaders remain resolute. Omoyele Sowore, a key figure in the movement, asserted that the youth are not afraid of the police and that fears of potential violence are unfounded.
He clarified that the protest is peaceful and the organizers are not involved in any violent activities. Lawyer Deji Adeyanju further criticized the police for summoning protesters, stating that their role is to protect, not intimidate, those exercising their right to protest.
Adenola noted that the protest is a continuation of the #EndBadGovernance demonstrations, and that their demands include the reversal of the fuel subsidy removal, amendments to the constitution, a legislative overhaul, and the release of protesters still in police custody. Despite threats from security agencies, he encouraged Nigerians to join the protest, emphasizing that the right to express grievances must be respected. Adenola also called on the public to show strength in numbers, believing that a large turnout would prevent harassment by security forces.
In Lagos, about eight civil society groups are expected to participate in the demonstration. Peluola Adewale, Secretary of the Democratic Socialist Movement, warned the government against sponsoring hoodlums to infiltrate the protest and reiterated that the event would be peaceful. He emphasized that the right to protest and freedom of assembly are fundamental and cannot be surrendered to any authority.
Taiwo Hassan, another leader of the protest, echoed these sentiments, stating that Nigerians must exercise their rights despite fears of arrest or violence. He highlighted the dire conditions in the country, noting that many citizens face hardships such as hunger and insecurity even without protesting. Meanwhile, the Katsina State Police Command assured citizens that they have taken measures to ensure the protest remains peaceful and urged participants to act responsibly.
