- A fraction of Nigerian citizens are planning a larger protest in October if the economic conditions don't improve
- David Roberts, a former British diplomat, warned the Nigerian government about the planned “Fearless in October Protest” set to start on October 1
- Roberts suggested foreign entities may exploit the protests related to the rising living costs
Mr. David Roberts, a former British diplomat, has alerted the federal government to the planned protests over rising living costs in October, indicating that foreign entities could be behind the organising efforts.
Pointing out that several August protesters in the North were seen waving Russian flags, Roberts advised the federal government to regard the looming “Fearless October protests” as a significant concern and to act swiftly to address it.
Roberts raises concern as October protest date approaches
“In light of the wide use of Russian flags in the last days of rage protests and taking this new revelation by the U.S. Secretary of State, Nigeria ought to be very careful about the proposed October 1 protest.
“Nigeria should take more care and alert its citizenry to the truth about such platforms and their agents,” Roberts stated in a statement on Thursday, September 19.
Recall that the Coalition of Concerned Nigerian Citizens announced on August 28, 2024, in Osogbo, that they would launch protests larger than those held in August if the high cost of living is not reduced by October 1, 2024.
A fraction of Nigerians plan “fearless in October protest”
Relatedly, Damilare Adenola, the Director of Mobilisation at the Take It Back Movement confirmed a planned nationwide demonstration starting on October 1, named the “Fearless in October Protest” protests on Monday, August 19.
“Yes. It is called the ‘Fearless in October Protest’. Our charter of demands stands as same. If at all, we will add more as the country decays more,” Adenola stated.
Following the August protests over the high cost of living, the federal government claimed that external entities were behind the demonstrations and later accused David Wynne, a Briton, and 12 Nigerians of treason.
Roberts warns of foreign interference in upcoming protests
Roberts, who previously served as director of the British Council in Nigeria, warned that foreign entities might take advantage of the genuine concerns of Nigerians to destabilise the nation.
He emphasised that following last week’s disclosure by US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken that an African media outlet was involved in supporting the August #EndBadGovernance protests, it has come to light that this was part of an operation aimed at undermining Nigeria.
“At a briefing in Washington last week, Blinken accused an African media outlet of working for Russia, contrary to its claim of mainstreaming Africa’s interests,” the former British diplomat stated.
#EndBadGovernance: 2,111 protesters were arrested, 1,403 tried without representation - Falana
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, had disclosed that the #Endbadgovernance demonstration saw the arrest of at least 2,111 protesters across the country.
According to the report, Falana added that 1,403 suspects were discreetly arraigned in several courts.