#FearlessinOctober: Pro-Democracy Coalition Urges Nigerians to Join Mass Protests
Call to Action: Nationwide Protests Against Bad Governance
A coalition of civic organizations has called on Nigerian workers and pro-democracy citizens to participate in mass protests against the government's handling of national affairs. The demonstrations, set to begin on October 1, 2024, aim to address the pressing issues that have fueled widespread discontent in the country. According to a joint statement from the groups, President Bola Tinubu's administration has failed to address the grievances that triggered the #EndBadGovernance protests earlier this year in August.
Civic Leaders Unite: Signing the Call for Action
The statement, obtained by SaharaReporters, was endorsed by prominent leaders from several civic organizations, including:
- Hassan Taiwo Soweto – National Coordinator, Education Rights Campaign (ERC)
- Oloye Adegboyega Adeniji – Chairman, Movement for Fundamental Change (MFC)
- Francis Nwapa – National Secretary, Youth Rights Campaign (YRC)
- Abiodun Aremu – Secretary, Joint Action Front (JAF)
- Adebayo Adedeji – Member, Leadership Council, Movement for African Emancipation (MAE)
- Temitope Fagunwa – Co-founder, Pan-African Consciousness Renaissance (PACOR-Nigeria)
Together, they emphasized the need for Nigerians to actively engage in the protests, stating that the government's recent actions demonstrate a disregard for the suffering of the people.
Government’s Indifference to Public Outcry
The coalition criticized President Tinubu for failing to respond to the public's concerns, particularly after the protests in August. The statement expressed dismay over the government's focus on luxury acquisitions for the president and his family while millions of Nigerians face hunger and hardship. It also highlighted the government's imposition of another fuel price hike, which has exacerbated the already dire economic situation.
"As we speak, fuel prices range between N900 and N1,900 per liter, depending on the region, whereas less than two years ago, a liter cost no more than N200," the statement noted. "This is outrageous and intolerable."
The coalition pointed out that the resulting inflation has diminished the value of the new National Minimum Wage of N70,000, making it insufficient to alleviate the struggles of Nigerian workers. Businesses, too, are suffering, with traders and shopkeepers unable to sell goods due to skyrocketing costs. The situation has also led to the closure of multinational companies, further increasing unemployment.
October 1st: A "National Day of Survival"
In response to these challenges, the coalition has declared October 1, 2024, a "National Day of Survival." On this day, they urge all Nigerians—workers, students, youth, traders, and the poor—to come together in peaceful protests against the economic hardships imposed by the government's policies. These policies, the groups argue, are dictated by external financial bodies such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, and include hikes in fuel prices, electricity tariffs, school fees, and the devaluation of the naira.
The coalition also demands the immediate release of all protesters arrested during the #EndSARS and #EndBadGovernance movements, along with journalists, activists, and whistleblowers who remain unjustly detained.
No Cause for Celebration: Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary
The coalition stressed that the upcoming October 1st, typically celebrated as Nigeria's Independence Day, offers little to rejoice about this year. They argue that despite 64 years of political independence from Britain, Nigerians are neither free nor prosperous.
"Rather, the Nigerian working masses are poor, hungry, and barely surviving," the statement read. "Since assuming office, President Tinubu has inflicted unprecedented hardship on millions of Nigerians, pushing them into multi-dimensional poverty."
The coalition highlighted the devastating impact of these policies on the middle class, warning of increasing suicide rates, widespread job losses, and the destruction of economic stability.
Erosion of Democracy: Civil Liberties Under Siege
Another pressing issue raised by the coalition is the alarming decline of democratic freedoms under the Tinubu administration. The groups argue that basic civil liberties, such as the right to protest, freedom of expression, and lawful assembly, are being systematically eroded.
"Democracy now looks like despotism, the judiciary is captured, and citizens are enslaved," the coalition stated. They cited the case of 10 young activists charged with treason for displaying placards demanding an end to bad governance during the August protests.
Despite a Federal High Court ruling granting them bail, most of the activists remain imprisoned due to restrictive bail conditions. The coalition compared the current situation to the dark days of military dictatorship, emphasizing that Nigerians are not much better off now than they were during that period.
A National Struggle for Survival
In conclusion, the coalition reiterated that October 1st is not a day for celebration, but a day for Nigerians to unite in the fight for survival. They called on all citizens to reflect on the nation's journey and take decisive action to end the mass poverty and suffering imposed by President Tinubu's administration.
“This is why we have named October 1st a 'National Day of Survival.' It is a day for the Nigerian people to come together at barricades across the country, to demand an end to anti-poor policies and reclaim our nation from the forces of poverty, hunger, and repression,” the statement concluded.
The coalition remains steadfast in its commitment to holding the government accountable, urging all Nigerians to join in the fight for a more just and equitable society
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