Organisers Insist October 1 Protest Will Hold at Eagle Square Despite Security Warnings

The organisers of the #FearlessOctober1 protest have confirmed that their planned demonstration will go ahead at Eagle Square in Abuja on October 1, despite warnings from the police, Department of State Services (DSS), and the military. They maintain that no state security agency will stop them from exercising their right to protest.

In a statement, the organisers announced that they had officially informed the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, about their protest plans and requested security during the event. They emphasized that the right to protest is fundamental and should not be suppressed by any government authority.

“We have also written to the Inspector General of Police, informing him of our protest locations and reminding him of the constitutional duty of the police to protect protesters as opposed to the repression we have witnessed in times past,” said Juwon Sanyaolu, National Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement.

Nigeria will mark its 64th Independence Day on October 1, but for many young Nigerians, this is not a time for celebration. Instead, they plan to protest against the harsh economic conditions caused by the removal of the fuel subsidy and the devaluation of the naira, which have led to a significant increase in the cost of living.

The organisers revealed that the protest would be held nationwide, with the main demonstration in Abuja at Eagle Square, the same venue for the Independence Day parade. Other protests are planned across the country, including in Lagos, where demonstrators will gather at the Ikeja Under Bridge.

According to Damilare Adenola, the Director of Mobilisation for the group, the protest is a response to the government’s failure to address their demands, which include the reversal of the fuel subsidy removal, constitutional amendments, and the release of detained protesters.

“We are unperturbed by the threats issued by security agencies. What we have seen so far is that they don’t respect the rights of protesters; they may end up instigating violence against protesters. But we will keep warning them to ensure that they respect people’s right to express their grievances as guaranteed by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Adenola said.

Omoyele Sowore, a prominent leader of the protest, reassured supporters that they are not afraid of the security forces and are determined to go ahead with the protest. He dismissed concerns about potential violence during the demonstration, stating, “Nobody has expressed to us or anyone that they’re afraid because they know we are not violent protesters; maybe you should ask that of the government.”

Deji Adeyanju, a lawyer representing the organisers, condemned the police’s actions, arguing that it is the responsibility of the police to protect, not harass, peaceful demonstrators. “The police do not have the right to summon protesters like they are currently doing. It is the responsibility of the police to protect the protesters anytime they embark on a demonstration. The protesters are not political parties; security agencies should not harass them,” he said.

He added that the recent crackdown on #EndBadGovernance protesters was an attempt to discourage further demonstrations, but it would not deter the youth from participating in the #FearlessOctober1 protest.

Eight civil society groups have also pledged their support for the protest in Lagos, highlighting the widespread discontent with the government’s policies. Speaking on behalf of the Democratic Socialist Movement, Peluola Adewale warned the government against any attempt to sabotage the protest by infiltrating it with hired thugs.

“We cannot rule out the fact that the government can sponsor violence to discredit the protest, but we want to warn them against that. People should not be deprived of their freedom of expression and assembly. Protest is our fundamental right, and we cannot surrender it to the police or anyone. We are not afraid of the police, DSS, or military,” Adewale stated.

Another protest leader, Taiwo Hassan, urged Nigerians to stand up for their rights and join the protest despite the risks. “We are never going to submit our rights. Yes, you know many people might be afraid of what will happen if they are shot or what happens if they are arrested. But increasingly as people are thinking of that, people are also realizing that our condition in this country is one between the devil and the deep blue sea. If you come out to protest, yes, maybe there is a chance that you might be arrested or you might be killed. But people also realize that even when you stay at home and don’t come out to protest, it doesn’t mean your life will be safe. Hunger is killing people right there in their bedroom. People are committing suicide, and the state of insecurity means that none of us is safe.”

Meanwhile, the Katsina State Police Command has assured protesters of their safety, stating that they have taken measures to ensure the protest does not turn violent. The state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Abubakar Sadiq, said that the command had deployed adequate personnel and increased surveillance to prevent any breakdown of law and order.

“While we recognize the rights of citizens to protest, we urge protesters to exercise these rights responsibly and within the framework of the law,” Sadiq said.