Reports have surfaced of alleged secret meetings and planning sessions by various groups in Southeast Nigeria ahead of the nationwide protest set for October 1, 2024. These rumors have sparked concern about the potential for unrest, with local authorities scrambling to maintain peace.
Despite numerous appeals from stakeholders and the Federal Government urging restraint, the organizers of the October 1 protests have reiterated their commitment to proceed. The planned protest is driven by widespread frustration over the government's failure to address the demands made during the August 1 demonstrations.
One of the key voices supporting the protests, human rights lawyer Mr. Deji Adeyanju, expressed disappointment in the government’s unfulfilled promises. Speaking to Vanguard, Adeyanju stated, “The issues raised by the August 1 protest remain unaddressed. The government has not made any concrete efforts to meet the demands, and citizens are within their rights to protest.”
In response to the protest plans, security forces have been mobilized across several states. The police in Jigawa State are set to deploy officers today to prevent any disruption. Meanwhile, in Lagos, the state government has designated two locations for the protest, warning that demonstrators would be restricted to these areas to avoid clashes.
Lagos Commissioner of Police, Olanrewaju Ishola, held a meeting with protest leaders, reassuring them of the police’s support in maintaining order while emphasizing the importance of a peaceful demonstration. CP Ishola also confirmed that security personnel and resources would be stationed at strategic points throughout the state.
The Federal Government has also issued a plea for calm as Nigeria marks its 64th Independence Day. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, appealed to the public to avoid acts of violence. “President Bola Tinubu’s administration is working towards peace and unity for all Nigerians. It is important to understand the opportunities the government’s policies present for the betterment of the nation,” Idris said.
Protest leaders have remained adamant about their plans. According to Adeyanju, “Citizens have the constitutional right to protest, and we will exercise that right. Not a single one of the issues raised during the August 1 protest has been resolved.”
The protests are expected to address multiple grievances, including the government’s inability to tackle inflation, the fuel subsidy removal, and deteriorating living conditions. Protesters are also calling for the release of detained activists and journalists.
Anticipation builds, rumors of possible protests in other regions, including the Southeast, have begun to circulate. With October 1 fast approaching, all eyes are on the organizers and security forces to ensure the situation does not escalate into violence.
