As Nigeria prepares to celebrate its Independence Day on October 1st, 2024, a coalition of activist groups is gearing up for a different kind of commemoration. The #EndBadGovernance movement has announced plans for a nationwide protest against what they describe as “anti-poor policies” implemented by the current administration. In a bold move that underscores the growing tension between citizens and the government, organizers have officially reached out to the Nigerian Police Force, seeking security for their members during the planned demonstrations.
On a humid Thursday afternoon in Lagos, the air thick with anticipation, Hassan Soweto, national coordinator of the Education Rights Campaign (ERC), addressed a packed press briefing. His voice resolute, Soweto declared October 1st as the “National Day of Survival,” urging Nigerians to take to the streets in peaceful protest.
“We invite you on another journey to redeem our nation as we continue to stand against the anti-poor policies of this regime,” Soweto announced, his words met with murmurs of agreement from the assembled journalists and activists.
The Coalition: Uniting for Change
The protest is being organized by a diverse coalition of groups, including:
– Education Rights Campaign (ERC)
– Movement for Fundamental Change (MFC)
– Youth Rights Campaign (YRC)
– Joint Action Front (JAF)
– Pan-African Consciousness Renaissance (PACOR-Nigeria)
This united front represents a broad spectrum of civil society, signaling the widespread discontent with current government policies.
Grievances and Demands
The organizers didn’t mince words when outlining their grievances. Chief among them is the recent hike in fuel prices, which has seen costs skyrocket from around N200 per liter less than two years ago to between N900 and N1900 per liter today, depending on the region.
“This is outrageous. This is intolerable,” the statement read, capturing the frustration felt by many Nigerians. As a direct consequence of this increment, life has become unbearable for many Nigerian people.
Other concerns highlighted include:
– Soaring food prices and widespread hunger
– Inflation rendering the new N70,000 National Minimum Wage inadequate
– Economic downturn affecting businesses, with ten multinational firms reportedly leaving Nigeria since May 2023
– Ongoing detention of #EndSARS protesters, journalists, and activists
Seeking Police Cooperation
In a move that speaks to both the organizers’ commitment to peaceful protest and their understanding of legal procedures, the coalition has formally written to Olanrewaju Ishola, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police. They’re requesting adequate security for participants, citing Section 83 (4) of the Police Establishment Act 2020.
We remind the Police of their obligation under the law to provide adequate security for citizens participating in public meetings, rallies, and protests,” the organizers stated, throwing down a gauntlet to law enforcement to uphold democratic principles.
For those in Lagos, the heart of Nigeria’s economic activities, the protest promises to be a significant event. Organizers have announced that the demonstration will commence at 7:30 am at the Ikeja under bridge, a well-known landmark in the city.
From there, participants will march through various streets, raising awareness and voicing their concerns. The choice of location and timing is strategic, ensuring maximum visibility and impact.
The organizers didn’t hold back in their criticism of the current administration’s response to previous protests and public outcry. They pointed out that none of the demands from their “ten days of rage” in August had been met.
Instead, they allege that “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu simply went ahead to use our national treasury to procure luxury cars, aircraft, and other luxuries for himself and the first family without caring a hoot about the plea of hungry Nigerians.
This stark contrast between government spending and the economic hardships faced by ordinary citizens has only fueled the determination of the protest organizers.
While the October 1st protest is the immediate focus, organizers made it clear that this is just the beginning. This action serves as a warning and urgent cry for the Tinubu administration to address our demands immediately,” they stated. If our demands are not met, more protests will follow the National Day of Survival.
This declaration sets the stage for potential ongoing civil unrest if the government fails to address the concerns raised by the #EndBadGovernance movement.
As news of the planned protest spreads, public reaction has been mixed. On the streets of Lagos, opinions vary widely.
It’s about time we stood up against these policies that are killing us,” said Chidi Okafor, a small business owner in Ikeja. “I’ll be there on October 1st, come rain or shine.”
However, not everyone is convinced. We’ve seen protests before, and what changed?” questioned Fatima Ibrahim, a teacher. “I support the cause, but I worry about the effectiveness.”
As October 1st approaches, tension is palpable across the nation. The planned protest represents more than just a day of action; it’s a critical moment that could shape the relationship between the Nigerian government and its citizens for years to come.
Will the government address the concerns raised by the #EndBadGovernance movement? Will the police provide the requested security, upholding the right to peaceful protest? Or will October 1st, 2024, be remembered as the day that sparked a new wave of civil unrest in Africa’s most populous nation?
As the sun sets over Lagos, these questions hang in the air, unanswered. One thing is certain: all eyes will be on Nigeria this Independence Day, watching to see how this high-stakes confrontation between citizens and government unfolds.
