Organizers of the #EndBadGovernance protest are preparing for a significant demonstration on October 1, 2024, aimed at addressing what they describe as “anti-poor policies” of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. In a formal letter to the Nigerian Police, they are requesting adequate security for participants during the protest, reflecting a commitment to a peaceful assembly while emphasizing the need for protection amid rising tensions.
The planned protest arises from widespread public dissatisfaction with President Tinubu’s economic policies, which many citizens feel have led to increased hardship across the nation. The organizers believe that the government’s decisions have disproportionately affected the poor, making life more challenging for everyday Nigerians. In a statement signed by multiple advocacy groups—including the Education Rights Campaign (ERC), Movement for Fundamental Change (MFC), Youth Rights Campaign (YRC), Joint Action Front (JAF), and Pan-African Consciousness Renaissance (PACOR-Nigeria)—the protesters expressed their determination to highlight these pressing issues.
Hassan Soweto, the National Coordinator of the ERC, is one of the prominent voices urging citizens to join the movement. He has emphasized the importance of peaceful protests, reminding the authorities of their duty to ensure the safety of participants as stipulated in the Police Establishment Act 2020.
The Lagos protest is set to begin at 7:30 a.m. under the Ikeja Bridge, with participants marching through the streets to raise awareness about their grievances. The organizers have framed this protest as an urgent message to the Tinubu administration, insisting that if their demands are not met, they will escalate their actions in the future.
Their demands stem from their previous protests, dubbed the “ten days of rage” in August, which aimed to draw attention to the economic struggles faced by Nigerians. The organizers have accused President Tinubu of ignoring the suffering of the populace while he spends state resources on luxury items for himself and his family, stating that “he does not care about the plight of hungry Nigerians.
The statement highlights critical issues, particularly the recent hike in fuel prices, which has seen costs soar to between N900 and N1900 per litre. This increase has had a ripple effect, driving up food prices and making everyday life increasingly difficult for many. The organizers pointed out that inflation has rendered the new National Minimum Wage of N70,000 practically useless, providing no relief for struggling workers.
Many small traders and shopkeepers are finding it harder to sell their goods, and the harsh economic environment has prompted several multinational companies to leave Nigeria, resulting in significant job losses. This situation has left many citizens desperate, with the organizers emphasizing that “life has become unbearable” for a large segment of the population.
In response to these alarming conditions, the organizers have declared October 1 a “National Day of Survival.” They are calling on all segments of society—workers, students, the unemployed, traders, and the poor—to come together for peaceful protests against the harsh realities brought about by what they describe as “IMF/World Bank-inspired anti-poor capitalist policies.” These include not only fuel price hikes but also increased electricity tariffs, rising school fees, and the devaluation of the naira.
Moreover, the organizers are using this opportunity to advocate for the release of all #EndSARS and #EndBadGovernance protesters who remain in police custody, alongside journalists, activists, and whistleblowers who have been targeted by the state.
The upcoming protest on October 1 is not just about voicing dissatisfaction; it is a rallying cry for unity among those suffering from the effects of government policies. As the date approaches, the organizers are determined to ensure that their message is heard loud and clear, emphasizing that peaceful protests are a vital tool in their fight for justice and change in Nigeria.
With the call for adequate police protection, the #EndBadGovernance protest aims to set a precedent for the right to peaceful assembly, highlighting the importance of government accountability in addressing the needs and struggles of its citizens.
