October 1: No going back, protest organisers insist

A former presidential candidate and one of the protest leaders, Omoyele Sowore, posted an update on his social media platform X today, reaffirming their commitment to the event set to occur nationwide. “NO GOING BACK! #FearlessInOctober,” he stated.

According to Sowore, the protest will take place at Eagles Square in Abuja and will be a peaceful demonstration. He expressed the need of the protests, pointing out the widespread suffering, hunger, insecurity, and economic struggles that have afflicted Nigerians under the current government.

“These protests will happen across the country because the extent of devastation is national. I want to stress that these will be peaceful protests, just as past demonstrations have been,” he said.

Sowore warned, however, that the last protests faced violent responses from the government. “Even though the previous protests were peaceful, the government responded with batons and bullets,” he noted. “But we will not be dissuaded. Our main weapon is truth, and no amount of force will silence us.”

He further highlighted the dire situation in the country, pointing out the drastic increase in fuel prices, further devaluation of the naira, and rampant violence from bandits. “Between the last protest two months ago and now, petrol prices have surged by nearly N300 per litre, inflation has risen, and floods have devastated our cities. Can anyone be surprised that Nigerians want to express their displeasure with this government?” he asked.

He promises that protests will be peaceful and emphasizes that many voices will rise in protest on October 1, stating, “The cries of hunger and pain from the Nigerian people will not be silenced by the government.”

Sowore’s declaration comes in light of the Nigerian Police Force’s claims that they have not received any notification regarding the protests. “We are fully prepared. Our organizers are on the ground and will not hide. This is a revolutionary moment; Nigerians will take to the streets en masse starting at 7 am on October 1,” he said in a subsequent interview shared on his X platform. In Lagos, the protesters plan to begin their march at Ikeja Under Bridge at 7:30 am.

Reports reveal that the Nigerian Police Force has begun deploying officers across the states to prevent violence. The Niger State Police Command confirmed they have deployed personnel and resources, while security operatives were seen at key locations in Minna, the state capital.

Police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun stated, “The Niger State Police Command will deploy sufficient personnel and operational resources to ensure public safety. The state Commissioner of Police has instructed Commanders to enhance police visibility to prevent disturbances.”

Similarly, the Kano State Police Command has confirmed its personnel will be stationed strategically, and the Kaduna State Police have also announced measures to avert potential violence during the planned protests. Kogi State’s police commissioner has urged protest organizers to reconsider their plans and allow the government more time to address economic issues.

Meanwhile, security preparations are underway in other regions. Juwon Sanyaolu, National Director of the Take It Back Movement, said that preparations are well underway and there are no plans to go underground. “We are organizing openly, exercising our constitutional right to protest against the neo-liberal direction of Tinubu’s government,” he said.

The Director of Mobilization for the Take It Back Movement, Damilare Adenola, firmly stated, “I’m going nowhere. Protest is not a crime.”

The Publicity Secretary for the movement in Rivers State, Andy Akpotive, emphasized that the protest aims to hold leaders accountable.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government, reiterated that the court’s ruling, which restricts protests to two designated venues in the state, remains in effect. Lawal Pedro (SAN), Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, urged organizers to avoid disrupting social and economic activities while reaffirming that the governor’s instructions for police to maintain public safety continue to apply.