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Nigerians mark Independence day with “fearless in October” protests, reiterate demand for reforms

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Protesters gathered on Nigeria’s Independence Day, demanding reforms to address economic and political challenges.
Protesters revived #Endbadgovernance demands with “Fearless in October” Protest on Independence Day. Photo Credit: The Authority Newspaper
  • As Nigeria celebrates its 64th independence anniversary, protesters gathered under the banner of “Fearless in October,” demanding relief from the economic hardship 
  • The protesters pushed for solutions to the high cost of living, reforms in electoral processes, among others
  • TheRadar compiled the demands of the protesters below 

As Nigeria celebrates its Independence day on October 1, a significant protest called the “Fearless in October” is also taking place, echoing the demands from the #EndBadGovernance protests held in August. 

According to Damilare Adenola, the Director of Mobilisation at the Take It Back Movement, the demands of the protesters will remain as they were unless new problems emerge that would require expanding them.

Protesters’ demands remain the same - Adenola

“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.

“We call it Fearless in October — the follow up to the August protest.

“We decided to follow up on the protest since Tinubu’s administration has proven adamant and has yet to accede to even one of our demands, as stated in our charter of demands,” Adenola stated on Monday, August 19. 

Nigerians celebrate independence amid “Fearless in October” protest

While the nation marks its 64 years of independence, the demonstrators are focusing on pressing issues, notably the skyrocketing cost of living, which has surged since President Bola Tinubu's removal of the fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira. 

The activists are unyielding in their quest for change, pressing the government to address their concerns.

TheRadar compiled the demands of the protesters below: 

1. Fuel subsidy

Protesters are calling for the return of fuel subsidy and a reduction in fuel prices to below N300 per liter. 

2. Increase in national minimum wage 

They are also pushing for an increase in the national minimum wage to N300,000, a significant rise from the recently approved N70,000.

3. Reduced electricity tariffs 

Additionally, the protesters are advocating for reduced electricity tariffs and the creation of an emergency fund to support small and medium enterprises, which they view as vital for revitalising the faltering economy. 

4. State of emergency on inflation

A declaration of a state of emergency to combat inflation, which has burdened many households, is also one of the key demands. 

5. Reopening of borders

The demonstrators are urging the reopening of national borders to enhance trade and promote the consumption of locally made products.

6. Meaningful actions against insecurity 

Activists are calling for the government to tackle the escalating insecurity across Nigeriaq and to take meaningful action against long standing issues such as banditry and clashes between herders and farmers. 

7. Accountability among public officials 

They are advocating for reforms that will increase accountability among public officials and strengthen institutions that ensure justice. 

8. Lowering salaries of legislators 

The protesters are particularly focused on lowering the salaries of senators and House of Representatives members, calling for greater transparency in governance.

9. Credible electoral processes 

Moreover, the protesters seek a more autonomous Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), demanding credible electoral processes. They emphasise the necessity for live electronic transmission of electoral results to protect democratic integrity. 

10. Release of unlawfully detained #EndSARS protesters  

They are also calling for the release of unlawfully detained #EndSARS activists who protested against police brutality.

11. Universal access to quality education

In the education sector, the protesters are advocating for universal access to quality education for all children, insisting that the children of public officials attend public schools to help improve the nation’s failing educational system. 

12. Hold corrupt officials accountable 

Also, they are calling for reforms of anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the judiciary, to hold corrupt officials accountable.

13. Electoral reforms 

The demonstrators also demand comprehensive electoral reforms, including an independent investigation into the N355 billion allocated for electoral processes in 2022, aiming for transparency and accountability from Nigeria’s leadership as they strive for a fairer and more just society.

October 1 Nationwide Protests: Organisers reach out to police for security

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the organisers of the planned October protests had requested police security for protesters.

Activists emphasised the need for peaceful demonstrations against rising costs of living. 

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Halima AdeosunAdmin

Halima Adeosun is a news writer with over 5 years of experience reporting insightful events, and human interest stories.

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