Human rights activist and #RevolutionNow Movement convener Omoyele Sowore arrived in Abuja on Monday, September 23, 2024, issuing a stark warning to the Nigerian government and security agencies. Speaking to a crowd of supporters and journalists outside the Federal High Court, Sowore declared that any attempts to arrest him ahead of the planned #FearlessInOctober protest would be futile, as Nigerians have reached their breaking point with the current administration’s policies.
As the sun beat down on the gathered crowd, Sowore’s voice rang out clear and determined. Anybody that is wasting his time plotting something is just wasting his time,” he proclaimed, “because Nigerians have reached a point where they are no longer afraid of death.
The activist’s appearance in the capital was ostensibly to attend court proceedings related to one of his ongoing cases before Justice Emeka Nwite. However, it quickly became apparent that Sowore’s presence served a dual purpose – to face the legal system and to rally support for the upcoming protest.
#FearlessInOctober
Scheduled for October 1, 2024, the #FearlessInOctober protest is shaping up to be a significant mass action by Nigerians demanding good governance, an end to hunger, and solutions to the country’s pressing issues of bad policies, corruption, and insecurity.
Sowore emphasized the importance of the protest, regardless of his personal involvement. “If they arrest me that day, please don’t let that disturb you,” he urged his supporters. “You should double your enthusiasm to make it even bigger.”
This call to action resonated with many in the crowd, including 28-year-old student activist Amina Okoye. “Sowore’s words give us courage,” she said. “We’re tired of empty promises. It’s time for real change in Nigeria.”
Drawing on past experiences, Sowore reminded the crowd of previous successful protests that occurred despite attempts to suppress them. He recounted how the #RevolutionNow movement persevered in 2019 despite his arrest by the Department of State Services (DSS), and how the #EndSARS protests unfolded even when he was restricted to Abuja.
I was not in Nigeria and #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria happened,” Sowore stated, a hint of pride in his voice. “So I am not even a big deal anymore in this struggle. You guys have become more radical than myself.
These references to past movements struck a chord with many present, including 45-year-old civil servant Ibrahim Musa. “We’ve seen what unity can achieve,” Musa commented. “If we stand together, we can make our voices heard.”
Sowore didn’t mince words when addressing the current administration’s policies. He condemned the Bola Tinubu-led government for what he described as subjecting Nigerians to “untold hardship” through exponential increases in fuel prices, electricity tariffs, school fees, and overall cost of living.
“Tinubu government has killed us with economic policies,” Sowore declared, his voice tinged with frustration. And those people who believe that election can solve their problem, they saw it in Edo election yesterday.
This sentiment echoed through the crowd, with many nodding in agreement. Market vendor Blessing Okorie shared her perspective: “Every day, it becomes harder to feed my family. We need leaders who understand our struggles.”
In a clear message to the government, Sowore stated that protesters were not interested in holding secret meetings with officials. He criticized what he perceives as the administration’s lack of genuine dialogue, instead accusing them of imposing their agenda on Nigerians.
The activist also highlighted the recent betrayal of labor leaders, pointing to the arrest of Nigeria Labour Congress President Joe Ajaero as evidence of the government’s approach to dissent.
It’s crystal clear that the Nigerian government doesn’t believe in dialogue,” Sowore asserted. “They only want to dictate to us, but we won’t stand for it anymore.”
As the impromptu rally outside the courthouse began to disperse, the energy in the air was palpable. Sowore’s words had clearly struck a chord with many present, reinvigorating their determination to see change in Nigeria.
The coming weeks leading up to October 1 will likely be crucial in determining the scale and impact of the #FearlessInOctober protest. With Sowore’s defiant stance against potential arrest and his call for Nigerians to overcome fear, the stage is set for what could be a significant moment in the country’s ongoing struggle for good governance.
As night fell on Abuja, the echoes of Sowore’s speech lingered in the minds of many. Whether the government will heed these calls for change or attempt to suppress the planned protest remains to be seen. One thing, however, is clear: the spirit of activism in Nigeria is far from extinguished.
For now, all eyes are on October 1, as Nigerians from all walks of life prepare to make their voices heard. In the words of Sowore himself, “Nigerians have been suffocated and can no longer feed their families.” The #FearlessInOctober protest may well be a defining moment in the country’s push for a better future.
