Organizers of the planned nationwide protest set for October 1 have reaffirmed their commitment to proceed, despite opposition from the Federal Government and warnings from the Nigerian Police Force. The protest, aimed at highlighting the economic hardship facing Nigerians, will be led by activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore.
Taking to social media platform X on Monday, Sowore confirmed the protest will hold across the country, declaring, “NO GOING BACK! #FearlessInOctober.” He further emphasized that the protests would remain peaceful, despite the government’s history of confronting protesters with force.
“The devastation, hunger, insecurity, and hardship inflicted on Nigerians by this government are national issues,” Sowore wrote. “These will be peaceful protests, as they’ve always been. We will not be deterred. Our only weapon is truth, and no amount of force or violence will prevent us from speaking truth to power.”
Sowore outlined the worsening conditions in Nigeria, citing rising fuel prices, the devaluation of the naira, increasing food prices, and widespread insecurity. He urged Nigerians to turn out en masse for the protest, which is scheduled to begin at 7 a.m. in key locations, including the Eagles Square in Abuja and Ikeja Under Bridge in Lagos.
Despite the organizers’ determination, security agencies have ramped up efforts to prevent potential unrest. In Lagos, the state government reiterated its restriction on protests to two designated venues, with the Attorney General, Lawal Pedro (SAN), affirming that the governor’s instructions for maintaining public safety remain in effect.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Police Force, which stated it had not been notified of the protest, has begun deploying officers across the country. Police forces in states like Niger, Kano, and Kaduna have confirmed proactive measures to prevent violence. In Minna, armed security operatives have been stationed at major locations to maintain order.
In Kogi State, Commissioner of Police Bethrand Onuoha urged protest organizers to reconsider their plans, advising them to give the government more time to address the nation’s economic challenges. However, the Take It Back Movement, spearheading the protests, insisted that preparations are in “top gear” and that they are exercising their constitutional right to peaceful protest.
“We have done nothing wrong and are within our rights,” said Juwon Sanyaolu, the National Director of the movement. “The repressive measures by the Tinubu-led government won’t stop us. The protest will go on as scheduled.”
As tensions rise, organizers maintain that their goal is to hold the government accountable for the worsening economic conditions. “We refuse to be cowed or treated as slaves in our own land,” declared Andy Akpotive, Publicity Secretary of the Rivers State chapter of the movement.
With October 1 fast approaching, all eyes are on how the protests will unfold amidst heightened security and government resistance.
