As Nigeria prepares to celebrate its 64th Independence anniversary and 25 years of unbroken democracy, the nation is also bracing for widespread protests scheduled for October 1, 2024.
Despite appeals from the Federal Government and various stakeholders for calm, the organizers of the protests have remained resolute in their decision to proceed.
The protests, spearheaded by the "Take it Back Movement," are a response to the severe challenges of hunger, insecurity, and economic hardship that many Nigerians face. Omoyele Sowore, one of the key figures behind the movement, emphasized that the protests are necessary due to the government's failure to address these pressing issues.
He stated, "They are hitting the streets on October 1 because the protesters’ demands have not been met. Not one has been met, and even the promise by the President that ‘please shelve the protest I am going to engage with you’; none and nothing has happened."
In anticipation of the protests, the Nigeria Police Force has deployed officers to various flashpoints across the country. In Lagos, the Commissioner of Police, Olanrewaju Ishola, assured protest organizers that arrangements had been made to provide maximum security.
He urged them to remain peaceful and law-abiding, stating, "We hereby call on the Nigerian people, progressive organisations, community groups, trade unions, students unions, youth groups to come out massively on October 1 in peaceful protest and demonstration."
The protests are set to commence at 7:30 am from Ikeja Under-bridge, with a procession to Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ojota. The Lagos State government has restricted the protests to two designated venues to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
However, the organizers have insisted on their right to assemble and protest peacefully, citing the Police Establishment Act 2020, which mandates the police to provide adequate security for public meetings, rallies, and protests.
In other states, similar preparations are underway. The Jigawa Police command has deployed its men in readiness for the protest, while in Kogi State, the Commissioner of Police, Bethrand Onuoha, engaged with the local chapter of the "Take It Back Movement" to discuss their plans. Although the group agreed to reconsider their protest, they remain committed to advocating for the nation's peace, progress, and development.
Despite the heavy police presence and government appeals, the protest organizers are determined to make their voices heard. As Deji Adeyanju, a lawyer representing detained protesters from a previous demonstration, noted, "The fresh round of protest is on the heels of the Federal Government’s failure to address protesters’ earlier demands." The organizers have also highlighted the importance of unity among all fighting forces to ensure a successful struggle against the current administration's policies.
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