* Police Tighten Security, Man Flashpoints
* Protest Organisers Insist On Action
* Banks May Close Shop
* Clarke, Utomi, Others Proffer Solutions
The organisers of the #FearlessOctober1 protest have insisted on going ahead with the demonstration on Tuesday, day the country will be celebrating her 64th Independence Day anniversary.
According to the Organisers, the protests, coming two months after the #EndBadGovernance one in August, will be held at the Eagle Square, the same venue of the Independence Day parade, while the Lagos protest would take place at the Ikeja Under Bridge.
But the police, (NPF) has tightened security across the country, manning all possible flashpoints.
The development, analysts say, may have created grounds for possible clashes, with the likely accompanying devastating losses.
Some banks have notified their staff to stay back tomorrow as 'management is not sure of the likely outcome of Tuesday's celebration and protests.'
Some private concerns like eateries and supermarkets have equally advised their staff to wait for further directives on Tuesday.'
Robert Clarke SAN, elder statesman has attributed the current problems to bad leadership and seizing of states resources by the political elites and politicians.
Speaking, Monday, on Arise Television's program, The Morning Show, Clarke said:
"The kind of governance we are operating today is the main problem. This is because it enriches pockets of few individuals. There is need for independent candidates as political class only dictating to Nigerians. But this requires a lot of money which may have to be recouped in office by the politicians. There is also the need to improve the system of governance. We should go back to the parliamentary system of governance for accountability and checks and balances. Let's have Nigerian mandate rather than party mandate."
Pat Utomi, professor of political economy said at the weekend that "values shape societies, but unfortunately these values are lacking in Nigeria. There is need for strong institutions, without, which, no system of government can improve."
Another stakeholder describes Nigeria as a "crippled giant" adding that it's only politicians who have enough money to spend in the country today. A country with a system of governance that gives absolute powers to the president and governors, even with flawed election processes, leaves much to be desired."
However, according to the organisers, the latest demonstration was necessitated by the failure of the Federal Government to address their demands, which include hunger in the land, rising cost of goods and services, insecurity, government’s wastefulness, electoral reforms, human capital development amongst others.
On Sunday, human rights advocate and leader of the protest, Omoyele Sowore, said they were “fully prepared” for the protest, adding that they would hit the streets at 7am on the scheduled date.
“We are fully prepared. Our organisers are on the ground and would not be going into hiding. These are revolutionary times, Nigerians will hit the streets en mass starting from 7am on October 1,” he said.
In Lagos, the protest organisers plan to commence their march at the Ikeja Under Bridge at 7:30am.
Refrain From Any Acts Of Violence —FG
Reacting to the planned protest, the Federal Government, yesterday, urged the protesters to sheathe their swords and refrain from acts of violence.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, in a chat with Vanguard, said: “The Federal Government is appealing to all Nigerians to remain calm and refrain from any acts of violence as Nigeria celebrates its 64th Independence anniversary and 25 years of unbroken democracy.
“The government of President Bola Tinubu is committed to ensuring peace, unity and prosperity for all. It is also important for Nigerians to see opportunity in the various policies of the government, and use it for their betterment.”
‘Why We’ll Protest’
However, Adeyanju said there is no going back on the protest because: “the issues from the August 1 nationwide peaceful protest have not been addressed, citizens have the right to protest.
“Irrespective of insinuations of government, arraignment of protesters, intimidation, and attempts to criminalize protest, citizens have insisted and expressed their rights that they must protest. It is a constitutionally guaranteed right that cannot be derogated in any circumstances.
‘’I believe that it is the government’s responsibility to ensure that citizens enjoy constitutionally guaranteed rights, and all must protect their rights.
“They are hitting the streets on October 1 because the protesters’ demands have not been met. Not one has been met, and even the promise by the President that ‘please shelve the protest I am going to engage with you’; none and nothing has happened. The President has refused to engage, which means that the President really takes the people for granted.”
Police Tighten Security
As the organisers refused to back down, the Nigerian police have tightened security in flashpoints nationwide.
The Niger State Police Command has deployed personnel and security resources to prevent any disruptions during the Independence Day celebrations.
In Suleja, a significant town in Niger, reports indicate that six people may have died when protesters attempted to storm a police station amid the #Endbadgovernance protests.
In Minna, the state capital, armed security operatives have been stationed at key locations, including major markets and road junctions, while police patrol vehicles are actively monitoring the city to maintain peace.
Police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun stated, “The Niger State Police Command will deploy sufficient personnel and operational assets to ensure public safety. The Commissioner of Police, Shawulu Danmamman, has instructed Area Commanders, Tactical Commanders, and DPOs to enhance police visibility in their jurisdictions to prevent any disturbances.”
Additionally, the Command has engaged with labor leaders, youth, student representatives, and other stakeholders to maintain the current peace for the state’s economic growth.
Similarly, the Kano State Police Command has positioned its personnel strategically. PPRO Abdullahi Haruna emphasized the need for peace and order, stating, “We learn from the past.” He also mentioned discussions with the Nigerian Patriotic Front Movement regarding their planned peaceful protest, highlighting the potential risks involved.
In Kaduna, the police have taken preventive measures against possible violence related to the planned protests. A senior officer confirmed the deployment of personnel throughout the state to avoid a repeat of the violent protests seen in August.
Kogi State’s Commissioner of Police, Bethrand Onuoha, has advised protest organizers to reconsider their plans, suggesting they allow the government more time to address economic issues.
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Ramhan Nansel, PPRO for Nasarawa, stated that the command is well-prepared for the Independence Day celebrations, ensuring peace across all 13 Local Government Areas.
The Borno State command has also deployed officers to key locations to maintain order, while Katsina’s command has mobilized both human and intelligence resources for public safety.
In Kwara, police have invited protest organizers for discussions to ensure the safety of the event and prevent any disruption by miscreants.
Meanwhile, police commands in Plateau, Gombe, Bauchi, and Sokoto have reported heightened security measures, despite not being officially notified of any planned protests.
In the southern states, police are also ramping up security. Ogun State’s Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, announced significant deployments to vulnerable areas and engagement with various community groups to discourage unauthorized protests.
Bayelsa’s police have committed to providing security for protesters while maintaining order. In Rivers, officials have stated they will not tolerate any disruptions, and Delta’s command is on high alert.
Edo State’s police are maintaining security measures from the recent governorship election to ensure a peaceful Independence Day, while Cross River’s command is prepared to resist any unapproved protests.
The Ebonyi command indicated readiness to deploy personnel to ensure peace, despite not having received any notification of planned protests.
