Despite appeals from the Federal Government and various stakeholders for calm, organizers of the October 1 protests against hardship in Nigeria remain committed to proceeding with their planned demonstrations.
Mr. Deji Adeyanju, a lawyer representing the detained protesters from the August 1 demonstrations, stated that this new round of protests is necessary due to the government’s failure to address the demands raised earlier. He emphasized that citizens have a constitutional right to protest, which cannot be infringed upon, regardless of government attempts to intimidate or criminalize such actions.
In preparation for the protests, the Jigawa Police Command has deployed personnel, and the Lagos Police Command has met with organizers to ensure security during the events. However, the Lagos State government has reiterated that the protests must be restricted to designated venues to prevent potential disturbances.
Federal Government Urges Peace
In response to the planned protests, the Federal Government, represented by Minister of Information and National Orientation Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has called for peaceful expressions of dissent. He urged Nigerians to refrain from violence as the nation celebrates its 64th Independence anniversary and 25 years of uninterrupted democracy. Idris highlighted the government’s commitment to ensuring peace and unity while encouraging citizens to recognize opportunities in government policies for their benefit.
Protest Organizers Stand Firm
Despite government appeals, Adeyanju asserted that the protest would proceed, citing the unmet demands from the previous protests. He noted that President Bola Tinubu’s promise to engage with protesters has not materialized, leading to growing discontent among citizens. “The protesters have the right to express their frustrations, especially since none of their demands have been addressed,” he stated.
The upcoming protests are described as nationwide, with organizers having informed police authorities in several states, including Lagos, Abuja, and Oyo, about their plans. Adeyanju remarked that historical precedents have allowed protests even under military regimes, emphasizing the importance of upholding constitutional rights.
Concerns About Protester Safety
There are concerns regarding the safety of protesters, especially after previous arrests during the August 1 demonstrations. Adeyanju mentioned that while the police have expressed a desire to protect protesters, there are fears that the government may resort to similar tactics as before. He urged the police to fulfill their mandate to safeguard those exercising their rights to protest.
On the issue of detained protesters, Adeyanju revealed that many have been granted bail, but others remain incarcerated without charges. Efforts are underway to secure the release of those still in custody, with additional court proceedings scheduled for today concerning more arrests.
Challenges with Bail Conditions
Regarding bail for some protesters, Adeyanju explained that the most significant hurdle is not the financial aspect but rather the requirement for landed property. He noted that applications for variations of bail conditions have been submitted and are set to be addressed in upcoming court sessions.
As October 1 approaches, the tension surrounding the planned protests continues to mount, with citizens eager to voice their dissatisfaction with the current economic situation.