Following the recently concluded #EndBadGovernanceinNigeria protests, held nationwide from August 1 to 10, 2024, organizers are gearing up for another round of demonstrations planned for October.
Damilare Adenola, Director of Mobilization for the Take It Back Movement, confirmed the upcoming protests in a conversation with our correspondent on Monday. Adenola stated that the demands of the protesters would remain consistent, though additional issues could be added if the situation in the country worsens.
“Yes, it will be called the ‘Fearless in October Protest.’ Our charter of demands remains unchanged, but we may add more if the country’s situation continues to deteriorate,” Adenola said.
The August protests saw youths across Nigeria, including those in the Federal Capital Territory, taking to the streets despite government efforts to dissuade them. The protesters had submitted a list of demands ahead of the demonstrations, calling for the abolition of the Senate, making lawmaking a part-time job for the House of Representatives, implementing a minimum wage of N250,000 for Nigerian workers, reversing fuel prices and electricity tariffs to pre-January 2023 levels, and releasing and compensating all EndSARS and political detainees.
When asked whether the protesters would comply with court orders from state governments requiring them to hold demonstrations at designated points, Adenola responded firmly, “We won’t accept the compliance.”
In addition to the planned October protests, activist and Human Rights Lawyer Deji Adeyanju informed our correspondent that efforts are currently underway to secure the release of protesters who were arrested during the August demonstrations. “All efforts are being directed towards securing the release of those who have been arrested,” Adeyanju said in a phone call.
