October 1 fearless protest: A summery of the independence day protest.

October 1 fearless protest: A summery of the independence day protest.

 

Youths in Lagos and Ondo states took to the streets on Tuesday, voicing their frustration with Nigeria’s worsening economic conditions. The protest, tagged fearless protest  organized under the  #FearlessInOctober movement, was timed to coincide with the country’s 64th Independence Day celebrations.

 

The demonstrators expressed concerns over inflation, skyrocketing fuel prices, and overall economic difficulties, mirroring the sentiments of the #EndBadGovernance protests from August. In Lagos and Ondo, the protests remained peaceful, with participants chanting anti-government slogans and demanding immediate economic reforms.

 

However, the situation in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) took a different turn.

police reportedly used tear gas to disperse demonstrators in the Utako and Jabi areas.

Protesters, holding signs such as “We are hungry” and “End bad governance,” had gathered as early as 7 a.m. at Utako Market.

Security forces quickly intervened, sealing off Eagle Square and halting the protest, causing many to flee for safety.

 

The FCT Police Command denied allegations of attacking peaceful protesters, with spokesperson DSP Josephine Adeh stating that the intervention was necessary to prevent looting by miscreants attempting to exploit the protest.

 

in Ondo State, protesters defied police orders and marched peacefully through Akure, the state capital, voicing dissatisfaction with the economic policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Led by Kunle Wiseman Ajayi, the protesters called for lower prices of food and petrol, job creation, and free education.

They criticized the government’s “lack of sensitivity” following the removal of the fuel subsidy.

 

Meanwhile, in Osun State, demonstrators gathered at Nelson Mandela Freedom Park in the capital, urging President Tinubu to reverse the removal of the fuel subsidy as a solution to the rising cost of living.

 

Former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore joined the protest in Lagos at the Ikeja under-bridge, demanding the release of detained protesters.

He argued that many had been falsely accused of crimes, including treason, simply for participating in the #EndBadGovernance protests.

Sowore also decried the current state of the country, calling for a revolution to free Nigeria from what he described as “internal colonialism.”

 

Despite these widespread demonstrations, many states such as Kano, Akwa Ibom, Plateau, Bayelsa, Adamawa, and Taraba saw little to no protest activity.

In Kano, for instance, residents largely stayed indoors during the public holiday, and markets operated as usual.

Similarly, the streets of Plateau were quiet, with no major protests reported, although security forces were on standby.

 

Surprisingly in Adamawa, instead of protesting, youths celebrated President Tinubu’s achievements at the Unity Flyover in Yola, expressing support for his policies.

In Bayelsa, a group under the Prosperity Youths Coalition marched in support of the state government, marking the 28th anniversary of the state’s creation and praising Governor Douye Diri for his management of state resources.

 

Finally in Rivers State, it was reported that thugs took control of the protest grounds.threatening journalists and halting the demonstration.

Meanwhile, no protests occurred in Taraba State, with all areas remaining peaceful on Independence Day.

Overall, the fearless protest was peaceful. The Youths hope to get the attention of the Government to End the suffering of millions of Nigerians.