Organizers of the planned October 1 protest against the economic hardship in Nigeria have vowed to go ahead with the demonstration, despite warnings from the Federal Government and the Nigerian Police Force.
One of the protest leaders, former presidential candidate and activist Omoyele Sowore, confirmed the protest would proceed nationwide, using his social media platform on Monday to declare, “NO GOING BACK! #FearlessInOctober.”
The protest, according to Sowore, will be held across the country, with the main gathering point being Eagles Square in Abuja.
Sowore emphasized that the protests would be peaceful, as they have always been, despite the government’s previous use of force against demonstrators. “The last protests were peaceful, yet the government met the protesters with batons and bullets. We will not be deterred, though. Our only weapon is truth, and no amount of force or violence will prevent us from speaking truth to power,” he stated.
Citing the escalating economic challenges, Sowore urged Nigerians to turn out en masse for the protest, highlighting rising fuel prices, the devaluation of the naira, widespread hunger, and insecurity. “Between the last protest just two months ago and now, petrol prices have risen by almost N300 per litre. The naira has further devalued, and prices have increased in the market. Bandits have taken over and killed entire communities. Floods are devastating our cities,” he noted.
In response to the protest plans, the Nigerian Police Force stated that they had not been officially informed about the protest. Nonetheless, the organizers are determined, with Sowore stating that preparations were in full swing, with activities scheduled to begin as early as 7 am on October 1.
In Lagos, the protest will kick off at the Ikeja Under Bridge at 7:30 am. Reports have also confirmed that police forces have been deployed across states to prevent any potential violence.
In Niger State, for example, security personnel have already been stationed in key areas, including major markets and road junctions. The Niger State Police Command confirmed that it has deployed officers and operational assets to ensure public safety and orderliness during the planned protests.
Similarly, in Kano, Kaduna, and Kogi states, police commands have taken preemptive measures to prevent any outbreak of violence.
The Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Bethrand Onuoha, advised the protest organizers to reconsider and allow the government more time to address the country’s economic challenges.
However, organizers remain resolute, with Juwon Sanyaolu, National Director of the Take It Back Movement, stating that preparations are ongoing across the nation. He emphasized that the protests is lawful and that organizers had committed no offenses.
In Rivers State, the protest’s Publicity Secretary, Andy Akpotive, said the protest is a call for accountability from Nigeria’s leaders. “We refuse to be cowed, we refuse to be slaves. We will not be kept under in our land where we share equal rights,” Akpotive asserted.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government has reiterated that a court directive restricting protests to two designated venues in the state remains in place. Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), warned organizers to ensure that public and economic activities are not disrupted.
