#EndBadGovernance Organizers Demand Police Security for October 1 Protest Against ‘Anti-Poor’ Policies

#EndBadGovernance protest organizers have called for a peaceful demonstration on October 1, 2024, to express their dissatisfaction with President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies.

In a letter to the Nigerian Police, the organizers, led by groups such as the Education Rights Campaign (ERC) and Joint Action Front (JAF), requested security to ensure the safety of participants during the protest.

The groups highlighted the Police Establishment Act 2020, which mandates law enforcement to protect citizens during public gatherings.

 The protest is seen as a response to the government’s “anti-poor policies,” with the organizers condemning the recent fuel price hikes, increased electricity tariffs, and devaluation of the naira.

According to Hassan Soweto, ERC’s National Coordinator, the protest will be a “National Day of Survival”

aimed at forcing the government to address growing economic hardship.

“We remind the police of their obligation to provide adequate security for citizens participating in public protests,” the statement read.

 Moreover, the organizers expressed concerns about rising food prices and inflation, stating that

“the N70,000 new National Minimum Wage is incapable of bringing any relief to Nigerian workers.”

They also reiterated demands for the release of detained #EndSARS protesters, journalists, and activists, warning that the protests would continue if the Tinubu administration fails to address their grievances.