…Police on High Alert as Protesters Demand Action on Economic Hardship
Despite appeals from key stakeholders and the Federal Government for calm, organizers of the October 1 protest against economic hardship in Nigeria remain resolute, insisting the demonstration will proceed as planned.
Mr. Deji Adeyanju, a lawyer representing the detained August 1 protesters, explained that the government’s failure to address their earlier demands is the primary reason for the renewed call to action.
Adeyanju, speaking with newsmen, criticized the government’s handling of the situation, stating, “The issues raised by the August 1 protesters have been ignored, and President Bola Tinubu’s promise to engage with the protesters has not been fulfilled.”
Police Prepare for Protests
Security agencies are mobilizing in anticipation of the protests. The Jigawa Police Command will deploy officers to strategic locations today, while the Lagos State Police Command has already met with protest organizers, assuring them of security during the event.
The Lagos government has, however, reiterated that protests will be confined to two designated venues to maintain public order.
Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, emphasized the importance of adhering to the court’s ruling, which restricts the protests to Freedom and Peace Parks in the state.
Pedro stated, “Governor Sanwo-Olu respects citizens’ rights to protest, but such actions must be conducted within the law.”
Federal Government’s Call for Peace
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has urged protesters to reconsider their actions and avoid violence during Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day celebrations. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, appealed for calm:
“The government of President Bola Tinubu is committed to peace, unity, and prosperity. It’s essential for Nigerians to see the opportunities in the government’s policies and use them for their betterment.”
Protesters Remain Resolute
In contrast, Adeyanju reaffirmed the protesters’ decision to go forward, despite the government’s attempts to discourage the demonstration. “Citizens have the right to protest.
The government’s refusal to engage with the people shows a disregard for their rights,” he stated, adding that the organizers had notified police commands in Lagos, Abuja, and other parts of the country about the protest.
Police Obligations and Citizens’ Rights
Adeyanju further stressed that the Police Act mandates the protection of protesters: “The law is clear, and the police are required to protect those exercising their constitutional rights.”
He also mentioned that while the police had initially sought to meet with the protesters, they had proposed an online meeting, which was declined by the authorities.
Legal Battles Over Detained Protesters
The human rights activist expressed concern over the continued detention of protesters from the August 1 demonstration. “Many protesters are still being held, despite some having been granted bail. We are working aggressively to secure their release,” Adeyanju said, revealing that they would be back in court soon, as more protesters were set to be arraigned.
The challenges in meeting bail conditions, particularly the requirement for landed property, have further complicated efforts to secure the release of some detained individuals.
“The hardest part of the bail conditions is providing landed property, not monetary sums,” Adeyanju explained, adding that they had applied for a variation of the terms.
Diplomatic Silence on Protester Detentions
Despite ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to facilitate the release of protesters, Adeyanju lamented the lack of intervention from the diplomatic community, saying, “It is concerning that there has been no foreign intervention. We urge the diplomatic community to speak up and support the protection of citizens’ rights.”
Police in Kogi and Katsina Urge Calm
In Kogi State, the Commissioner of Police, Bethrand Onuoha, has appealed to protest organizers to reconsider their plans, emphasizing the need for more time to address the nation’s challenges.
According to a statement issued by the Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Williams Anya, the commissioner called for patience, urging citizens to give the government the opportunity to stabilize the economy.
Similarly, in Katsina State, no public interest in the protest has emerged, and the police command confirmed that no group has formally approached them regarding participation. Despite this, the police have made security arrangements to ensure order.
NAUS Advises Students to Stay Away
The National Association of University Students (NAUS) has urged its members to refrain from joining the protest. NAUS National President, Josiah Oche Peter, announced that the body is pursuing dialogue with the authorities to safeguard student interests and has asked students to avoid any form of protest on Independence Day.
What the Protesters Want
Organizers of the October 1 protest have outlined several demands, including the reversal of fuel price and electricity tariff hikes, the restoration of government-owned refineries, reduced food prices, and the end of insecurity and violent crimes.
They have also called for the unconditional release of detained protesters and activists, as well as the implementation of a new N70,000 minimum wage.
Despite the government’s efforts to maintain peace and order, it remains to be seen how the October 1 protest will unfold, as both sides brace for what could be another significant day in Nigeria’s ongoing struggle with economic hardship and civil rights.
