EndBadGovernance: Organizers Plan New ‘Fearless’ Protest in October
Following the recent nationwide EndBadGovernance protests that disrupted economic activities, organizers are preparing for another round of demonstrations in October.
Omoyele Sowore, former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), confirmed the upcoming protests to DAILY POST on Saturday.
Nigerian youths had previously staged protests from August 1 to 10 over the worsening economic situation in the country. Although intended to be a peaceful 10-day demonstration, the protests were marred by violence after non-state actors hijacked the movement, leading to the tragic deaths of several participants.
Reports indicate that 17 people were killed during the protests in cities like Abuja, Kano, Niger, Borno, Kaduna, and Jigawa. Additionally, many others were injured as security forces cracked down on the protesters. Over 1,135 people were arrested nationwide in connection with the unrest.
In Kano, hoodlums posing as protesters vandalized government properties and looted private assets. Some individuals were also seen waving Russian flags and calling for military rule in Nigeria. The police and other security agencies arrested about 873 suspects in Kano alone, including 76 individuals, one of whom was a foreigner, accused of flying the Russian flags. These suspects have since been transferred to the Force Headquarters in Abuja for investigation on charges of sedition.
Activist lawyer Deji Adeyanju revealed that efforts are underway to secure the release of detained protesters. When asked about their status, Adeyanju stated, “We are currently on their matter.”Sowore also confirmed that some protesters have already been released, and efforts continue to free the remaining detainees. He expressed gratitude to human rights attorneys who have been working to secure their release, warning that the federal government may soon face an ultimatum if it continues to detain protesters unjustly.
October Protest Plans
The planned October protest is likely a response to President Bola Tinubu’s alleged failure to address the demands made by the EndBadGovernance protesters. During the August protests, the demonstrators called for the reversal of policies that have increased the cost of living, including the removal of fuel subsidies. They also presented 15 specific demands, including:- Abolishing the Senate, keeping the House of Representatives, and making lawmaking a part-time job.- Implementing a minimum wage of at least N250,000 for Nigerian workers.- Releasing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and demilitarizing the South East.- Releasing all ENDSARS and political detainees and compensating them.- Ending banditry, terrorism, and violent crimes.- Reforming security agencies to stop human rights violations.- Overhauling the judiciary to remove corrupt judges.- Allowing diaspora voting.
Despite President Tinubu addressing the nation on the sixth day of the protest, the organizers claim he failed to address their demands. This has fueled plans for further protests.
Sowore revealed that the upcoming October protests, under the banner #FearlessInOctober, will be more prolonged than the August demonstrations. He also dismissed rumors of ongoing negotiations with the federal government, stating, “I am not part of any negotiations. We are all working on our next set of prolonged protests tagged #FearlessInOctober.”
