The organizers of the October 1, 2024 protest have insisted that it will go ahead as planned, despite the government’s plea to postpone it.
This decision was made in response to what they see as President Bola Tinubu’s lack of concern for the issues raised in a previous demonstration held about two months ago.
One of the lawyers representing the detained protesters from the August 1 demonstration, Mr. Deji Adeyanju, stated that the fresh protest is a result of the government’s failure to address the demands of the earlier protesters.
In light of the planned protest, the Jigawa Police command has announced that they will deploy personnel in anticipation of the protest.
Additionally, the Lagos command has met with the protest organizers and assured them of security. The Lagos State government has reiterated that the protest will be restricted to two designated venues, warning that protesters will not be allowed in other areas to prevent any potential disruption of peace and order.
In response to the planned protest, the Federal Government has urged the protesters to refrain from violence.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, emphasized the government’s commitment to peace, unity, and prosperity for all Nigerians.
Despite the government’s plea, Deji Adeyanju stated that there is no turning back on the protest.
He said that citizens have the constitutional right to protest, and that right cannot be infringed upon under any circumstances. Adeyanju also noted that the protesters’ demands from the previous demonstration have not been addressed, and the President’s promise to engage with the protesters has not been fulfilled.
He added that the protest will proceed as planned, and that citizens are determined to exercise their rights. Adeyanju also pointed out that the police are aware of the protest, and the organizers have communicated with the police in various parts of the country.
He also highlighted that the police are mandated to protect protesters exercising their constitutional rights, including the right to protest.
Adeyanju mentioned that efforts are ongoing to secure the release of protesters who are still in custody and have not been arraigned.
He expressed optimism that these individuals will be released and that the organizers are prepared to provide details of the protest activities once it commences.
