Ahead of the planned nationwide protest on October 1 against economic hardship, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olarenwaju Ishola, has cautioned protesters against engaging in illegal activities.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting held on Friday by the Lagos Police Command in Ikeja, Lagos, Ishola emphasized that while the police will respect the right to protest, they will not tolerate lawlessness.
“We are not stopping anyone from protesting; it is your legitimate right. We will protect everyone to ensure that miscreants do not hijack the protest,” Ishola said.
He reassured the public that the Command is fully prepared to protect law-abiding citizens and handle troublemakers according to the law.
“Protesters must respect others’ rights and maintain public order. We will not tolerate any acts of violence or lawlessness. Independence Day is a time for celebration, and we will work to ensure a peaceful turnout. Protesters should not disturb those who wish to celebrate,” Ishola added.
The police commissioner further explained that the protest would be limited to a specific location.
“The police will enforce the court order restricting the nationwide protests to Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park in Ojota. Protesters must remain within the designated area, as no other locations in Lagos are approved,” he noted.
Attendees of the meeting included notable figures such as Prof. Ishaq Akintola (Executive Director, Muslim Rights Concern), Comrade Funmi Sesi (Chairperson, Nigeria Labour Congress, Lagos), Comrade Alimi Lekan Idris (Chairman, NANS Lagos), Comrade Abiodun Aladetan (Secretary, Trade Union Congress, Lagos), Alhaji Shittu Shola Ganiyu (Vice Chairman, NURTW Lagos), Eze Uche Dimgba, Mrs. Abimbola Jinadu (representing the Iyaloja General), and Alhaji Musa Mohammed Dogon Kadai (Seriki Hausawa of Agege), among others.
Meanwhile, the protest organisers have formally written to the police requesting adequate security for their members. This was revealed in a statement jointly signed by the Education Rights Campaign (ERC), Movement for Fundamental Change (MFC), Youth Rights Campaign (YRC), Joint Action Front (JAF), and Pan-African Consciousness Renaissance (PACOR-Nigeria).
“By this announcement, we inform the Commissioner of Police of our planned October action and remind the Police of their obligation under Section 83 (4) of the Police Establishment Act 2020 to provide adequate security for citizens participating in public meetings, rallies, and protests,” they said.
The organisers also issued a warning to the government, demanding immediate action from President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Failure to meet their demands, they said, would result in more protests under the banner of the “National Day of Survival.”
Explaining their decision to hold the protest, the organizers pointed out that none of their demands from the August 1-10 nationwide protests had been addressed.
“None of the demands from our ten days of rage in August have been met. Instead, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has used the national treasury to procure luxury cars, aircraft, and other extravagances for himself and the first family, showing no regard for the plight of hungry Nigerians,” the organisers said.
They continued: “In a further show of disregard for the people, the government has imposed yet another hike in fuel prices this month. Fuel now costs between N900 and N1,900 per liter, depending on the region. Less than two years ago, a liter of fuel cost no more than N200. This is outrageous and intolerable. As a result, life has become unbearable for many Nigerians.”
They also highlighted the impact of rising prices on food and the overall cost of living, stating that inflation has rendered the new N70,000 National Minimum Wage insufficient for Nigerian workers.
“Many are starving as the increase in fuel prices has driven up food costs. Inflation has made the new minimum wage irrelevant, while the sharp rise in the cost of imported goods has left traders with unsold stock,” they concluded.