The organizers of the #Endbadgovernance protest have formally requested security from the Nigerian Police for their planned demonstration on October 1, 2024. This request was made in a letter addressed to the police, emphasizing the need for adequate protection for participants.
The protest, which aims to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, is being coordinated by several groups, including the Education Rights Campaign (ERC), Movement for Fundamental Change (MFC), Youth Rights Campaign (YRC), Joint Action Front (JAF), and Pan-African Consciousness Renaissance (PACOR-Nigeria). These groups have united to voice their dissatisfaction with the current administration’s policies, which they claim have exacerbated economic hardships in the country.
Hassan Soweto, the National Coordinator of the ERC, highlighted the importance of police protection in accordance with the Police Establishment Act of 2020, which mandates law enforcement to ensure the safety of peaceful protesters. He urged Nigerians to join the protest, which will commence at 7:30 a.m. under the Ikeja bridge in Lagos.
The organizers have outlined their grievances, including the recent hike in fuel prices, inflation, and the high cost of living. They criticized the government for not addressing the concerns raised during previous protests in August, known as the “Ten Days of Rage.” The protest will also call for the release of #EndSARS protesters and other political detainees still held in custody.
In their statement, the organizers said, “We invite you on another journey to redeem our nation as we continue to stand against the anti-poor policies of this regime. As is obvious to everyone, none of the demands of our ten days of rage in August has been met”.
The October 1 protest has been designated as a “National Day of Survival,” with organizers rallying against fuel price hikes, electricity tariff increases, and other economic policies they deem detrimental to the populace. They encourage all Nigerians, particularly workers, students, and traders, to participate peacefully.
