Human rights advocate and convener of the #RevolutionNow movement, Omoyele Sowore, has said that his group is prepared for a nationwide protest scheduled for October 1, noting that the protests will be peaceful across Nigeria.
In a phone interaction with LEADERSHIP, the former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) outlined the rationale behind the protest, citing severe challenges of hunger, insecurity, and economic hardship inflicted upon Nigerians the current government.
Among his key demands is the immediate and unconditional release of all individuals detained during previous protests, as well as a call for the liberation of all political prisoners in Nigeria in advance of the #FearlessInOctober mass protest.
He also demanded from the President Bola Tinubu-led administration the urgent need to revamp the economy, create jobs, guarantee security, and constitutional reforms.
Sowore stressed that the suffering of the Nigerian populace is a direct consequence of what he described as insensitive government policies.
He also demanded the release of the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu; implementation of living wage for Nigerian workers and the reversal of subsidy removal policy that adversely affects the masses.
Others are the immediate action to tackle banditry, terrorism, and various security challenges, introduction of job creation initiatives targeting millions of unemployed youths, investment in the power sector and infrastructure to stimulate economic growth.
He also called for a reform of the education sector and restructuring of governance, reforms in the judiciary and electoral processes, including provisions for diaspora voting.
While reflecting on the motivations for the protest, Sowore in the light of similar demonstrations held in August, said that the protests aim to highlight economic suffering, insecurity, and systemic injustice.
He lamented the lack of progress since the last protests, stating, “Conditions have deteriorated. Inflation is rising, insecurity is worsening, and many communities are suffering devastating floods due to governmental negligence.”
Sowore insisted that protests are essential expressions of the people’s pain, serving as a constitutional right to illuminate their struggles. “Remaining silent could imply acceptance. We must speak out against the suffering of our people; it’s our patriotic duty,” he asserted.
Among Sowore’s broader demands is the unconditional release of all individuals involved in the #EndBadGovernance protests, along with the unfreezing of their assets and appropriate compensation for their distress.
He is also advocating accountability measures against top law enforcement officials implicated in repression of protests, abolition of the 1999 Constitution and establishment of a constitution crafted by the people through a Sovereign National Conference, followed by a national referendum.
Sowore also requested for constitutional reforms aimed at restructuring Nigeria’s legislative framework and addressing diverse regional needs as well as comprehensive efforts to combat hunger and poverty through revamped subsidy regimes, educational grants, and vigorous campaigns for free, compulsory education.
He further pushed for demilitarisation of the South-East geopolitical zone and the unconditional release of political detainees.
According to Sowore, investigations should be launched into corruption among past and present leaders, with recovered funds allocated to education and infrastructure, and the establishment of a Special Energy Fund to drive ethical investment in the power sector and enhance public safety.
He concluded by calling for significant judicial reforms, aggressive public investment, and a commitment to addressing the needs of Nigeria’s youth.
