In the nationwide #FearlessInOctober protests, angry Nigerian youths have slammed President Bola Tinubu‘s administration for trying to stifle their voices, while unchecked corruption allows public funds to be stolen by politicians.
Naijaonpoint reports that this protest is an extension of the #EndBadGovernance demonstrations that took place between August 1 and 10, sparked by the economic struggles faced by many Nigerians.
According to Saharareporters, one of the Abuja protesters, expressing frustration over the widespread hunger, stated, “The Nigerian government wants to depress, suppress, oppress the Nigerian people to the point that they become so scared of expressing their fundamental rights.
“They want to press all voices of dissent but Nigerians today are letting the government know by our action here that our voices can never be silenced.”
The protester went on to criticize the government’s poor handling of critical issues, adding, “If the government is as irresponsible as it has got us this low, the government should not expect us to keep quiet at our penury and suffering, insecurity, bad leadership in every sector, bad healthcare system, bad educational system.”
Another protester highlighted the rampant corruption among political elites, saying, “Yahaya Bello is stealing on one side, Emefiele is looting on another. These politicians continue their schemes while ordinary Nigerians suffer. A bag of rice now costs around ₦100,000, and fuel is over ₦1,000 per litre. You can’t tell us it’s not enough reason to protest—we are starving.”
Earlier reports indicated that police officers had attacked some Nigerians in Abuja who had joined the #FearlessInOctober protest to demonstrate against worsening economic conditions and growing poverty.
The police were seen firing tear gas and ammunition at peaceful protesters in areas around Jabi and Utako within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), forcing them to flee for safety.
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