The planned October first protest against hardship in Nigeria underscores the growing discontent among citizens over the policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Development Diaries reports that despite calls for calm by some stakeholders and the government, organisers remain resolute in their demand for action, citing the failure to address their earlier grievances.
We understand that the planned protest scheduled for Nigeria’s 64th independence anniversary has been declared ‘National Day of Survival’ in response to the hardship in the country.
For us, this highlights a fundamental issue – the need for citizens to voice their concerns in a democratic setting without fear of intimidation or suppression.
Peaceful protest is a constitutionally guaranteed right in Nigeria, and it is critical that this right is respected and upheld.
At a time when many Nigerians no longer trust the government of the day, leadership through transparent communication is key. This is the time for the government to provide clear explanations and alternative strategies to alleviate the hardship.
Engaging with citizens directly and showing empathy toward their plight would be a more effective way of addressing the protesters rather than trying to suppress them.
Rather than viewing the protests as a threat, law enforcement agencies should see it as an opportunity to facilitate civic engagement and dialogue.
History has shown that attempts to suppress protests through force often lead to more tension and unrest, which could escalate an already volatile situation.
Thus, a peaceful and orderly protest should be the goal, with the police playing a crucial role in de-escalating potential conflict.
Equally important is the need for President Tinubu to take a proactive approach to addressing the concerns of the protesters.
According to reports, the fresh round of protests is on the heels of the federal government’s failure to address protesters’ earlier demands.
There is a growing sense of frustration due to economic hardship in the country.
Development Diaries calls on President Tinubu to acknowledge the concerns of the protesters and speak of tangible steps that can help ease tensions and restore confidence in the government’s ability to attend to citizens’ welfare.
We also call on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to ensure that the Nigerian police provide adequate protection for protesters, ensuring their safety while maintaining public order.
