October 1 Protesters Give Tinubu’s Govt Condition to Cancel Demonstration (Full List)
October 1 Protesters Present Demands to Tinubu’s Government, Threaten Nationwide Demonstration
Antigovernment protests under the banner “End Bad Governance” are set to take place across Nigeria on October 1, coinciding with the country’s 64th Independence Day celebration. Protesters, primarily young Nigerians, have issued demands to President Bola Tinubu’s administration, stating that they will cancel the demonstrations only if the government reinstates the fuel subsidy and addresses other key issues.
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Rising Tensions Ahead of October 1 Protests
The protests are expected to unfold in major city centres, particularly near government buildings and transport hubs. There is a heightened security presence across the nation in anticipation of potential clashes between protesters and security forces. The risk of confrontation is further elevated if authorities decide to ban the gatherings, as protest organizers have vowed to continue their demonstrations regardless of any restrictions imposed by the government.
Key Demands of the Protesters
The organizers, who previously led antihardship demonstrations in August, have articulated several demands from the Tinubu government:
Reinstatement of Fuel Subsidy: One of the most significant issues fueling the protests is the removal of the petrol subsidy, which was announced by President Tinubu in his inaugural speech on May 29, 2023. Since the subsidy’s removal, fuel prices have surged from around N184 per litre to over N1,000 in many parts of the country. This spike has triggered a sharp rise in the cost of food and basic commodities, deepening the economic hardship faced by Nigerians.
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Reform of INEC: Protesters are calling for immediate reforms to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure more transparent and credible elections in the future.
Reform of EFCC: They are also pushing for reforms within the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to enhance its fight against corruption.
Amendment of the Constitution: The demand for constitutional reforms reflects the desire for a legal framework that better serves the interests of all Nigerians.
Reduction of Tinubu’s Cabinet and Cost of Governance: Protesters argue that the government must reduce its expenses by cutting down on the size of the cabinet and lowering the overall cost of governance.
Unconditional Release of August Protesters: The demonstrators also insist on the release of individuals who were arrested during the August antigovernment protests.
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Government Response and Efforts to Prevent the Protest
The Tinubu administration is reportedly taking steps to prevent the October 1 protests from escalating. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, confirmed that the government is actively working to avoid a repeat of the August demonstrations. Despite these efforts, the organizers of the “Fearless October 1” protest remain resolute, insisting that they will not be deterred by police, the Department of State Services (DSS), or the military.
In a formal letter to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, the protest organizers requested security for the demonstrations, emphasizing that peaceful protest is a fundamental right protected by the Nigerian constitution.
Looking Ahead
As Nigeria celebrates its 64th Independence Day, the protests highlight the deep frustration many citizens feel about the country’s economic challenges and governance issues. Whether the government meets the protesters’ demands or takes more aggressive steps to suppress the demonstrations remains to be seen. However, with tensions already high, the coming days could prove crucial in shaping the future political landscape of the country.
