- 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.