As Nigeria prepares to celebrate its 64th Independence Day on October 1, the organisers of the #FearlessOctober1 protest have reiterated their determination to proceed with nationwide demonstrations despite opposition from security forces. The protest, which targets the removal of fuel subsidies and the economic hardship resulting from the naira’s devaluation, has gained momentum as organisers mobilise youths across the country.
Juwon Sanyaolu, National Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement, and Damilare Adenola, Director of Mobilisation, confirmed that letters had been sent to Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, requesting security for the protesters. Sanyaolu emphasized that the protest is a constitutional right, and the police should ensure the safety of demonstrators, instead of resorting to repression as seen in previous protests.
Demands of the Protesters and Planned Locations
The FearlessOctober1 Protest organisers are calling for a reversal of the fuel subsidy removal and other economic policies they claim are worsening the financial situation of Nigerians. They have outlined several other demands, including constitutional amendments, overhauling of the legislature, and the unconditional release of previously detained protesters.
According to Sanyaolu, the protest in Abuja is scheduled to take place at the Eagle Square, the same venue as the Independence Day parade, while in Lagos, the demonstration will occur under the Ikeja Bridge. The protests are expected to happen simultaneously across the country, with organisers urging citizens to come out in large numbers to make a statement against the government’s policies.
Adenola added that only the reinstatement of fuel subsidies would stop the protest, dismissing the fear of police harassment or violence. “We have seen in the past that security agencies do not respect the rights of protesters,” he noted, encouraging Nigerians to stand firm against intimidation.
Sowore and Adeyanju: ‘We Are Not Afraid’
Prominent protest leader Omoyele Sowore has dismissed concerns about potential violence during the demonstrations, asserting that the protesters are non-violent. Sowore emphasized that no one had expressed fear about participating, and that accusations of possible violence were attempts by the government to discourage participation.
Deji Adeyanju, the lawyer representing the organisers, also criticised the police for summoning protesters. He described this as a violation of their rights, noting that the role of security agencies should be to protect citizens during peaceful protests, not to intimidate them. Adeyanju referenced the crackdown on the #EndBadGovernance protests in August, where several demonstrators were arrested, asserting that such tactics would not deter youths from expressing their frustrations.
“The government wants to scare people away from protests by detaining our comrades, but this will not stop the #FearlessOctober1 protest,” Adeyanju said, adding that the public is increasingly fed up with economic hardship and poor governance.
Eight Civil Society Groups to Join Lagos FearlessOctober1 Protest
In Lagos, the FearlessOctober1 Protest is set to receive significant support, with eight civil society groups confirming their participation. Peluola Adewale, Secretary of the Democratic Socialist Movement, stated that attempts by the government to infiltrate and discredit the protest through violence would be met with resistance.
Adewale warned that the protest would remain peaceful and that the organisers were not intimidated by the heavy deployment of security personnel. “Protest is a fundamental right, and we will not submit it to the police or any other state agency,” he declared, adding that Nigerians are facing severe economic challenges and have every right to air their grievances.
Taiwo Hassan, another protest leader, highlighted the precarious situation faced by many Nigerians, stating that staying silent in the face of hardship was no longer an option. “People are already suffering from hunger and insecurity in their homes; whether you protest or not, life is not safe under these conditions,” Hassan remarked, urging citizens to join the FearlessOctober1 Protest.
Katsina Police Reassure Protesters of Security
In contrast to the tense atmosphere in other states, the Katsina State Police Command has assured protesters of their safety. The command’s spokesperson, ASP Abubakar Sadiq, revealed that the police had deployed personnel and enhanced intelligence measures to prevent any breakdown of law and order during the FearlessOctober1 Protest.
Sadiq acknowledged the right of citizens to protest but urged them to do so peacefully and within the confines of the law. “We are committed to ensuring public safety before, during, and after the protests,” he said, outlining proactive measures such as surveillance and patrols to guarantee that the demonstrations in Katsina do not spiral into chaos.
The #FearlessOctober1 protest promises to be a defining moment for Nigeria’s civil rights movement, as youths across the country unite to demand change in the face of increasing economic hardship. With security forces on high alert, all eyes will be on how the government responds to the outcry from its citizens.
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