Human Rights Activist, Barrister Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN), has notified security agencies and sought protection for the planned public rallies and processions marking the nationwide protests by Nigerians and groups in August 2024.
Adegboruwa’s move came as the Northern Voices for Justice (NVJ) has mobilised men, women and youth in the 19 northern states to join the #EndBadGovernance protest scheduled for August 1 to 10.
In his letter of Friday, July 26, 2024, the Senior Advocate, writing as solicitor to the “Take It Back Movement,” notified the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) that the planned rallies would commence from August 1 to 10, 2024, or any time thereafter.
He said the rallies would be held at the Eagle Square in Abuja and other public spaces in the capital cities of the 36 states and the headquarters of the 774 local government councils.
Adegboruwa while reiterating the role of the security agencies during such rallies and protests, urged the leadership of the security agencies to make available the details of any of their officers or teams that will be assigned to cover the said meetings/rallies/processions to harmonise plans and strategies for the same
NVJ Convener, Comrade Sani Saeed Altukry, in a statement on Friday, highlighted the reasons for the planned protest, describing it as constitutional right of citizens.
He said, “We, the Northern Voices for Justice (NVJ), led by Comrade Sani Saeed Altukry, are calling on every man, woman, and youth in the 19 Northern States to rise and join our mass protest. This is an urgent call to action, an emergency response to the injustices and hardships imposed on us by an indifferent and corrupt administration.”
Altukry highlighted economic hardship as one of the reasons for the protest, saying, “The unbearable cost of living, soaring food prices, and lack of subsidies on essential services have pushed many families to the brink of starvation and despair.”
Highlighting other reasons, he said, “Fuel Prices: The removal of fuel subsidies has caused unprecedented hardship. We demand that fuel prices be reduced to below 250 Naira per litre.
“Educational Subsidies: The reintroduction of subsidies to make tertiary education affordable for our youth.
“Electricity Tariffs: Restoration of electricity tariffs to affordable rates to ensure that every Nigerian can access basic utilities.
“Judicial and Electoral Reforms: We demand a transparent judiciary and an independent electoral commission (INEC) to ensure fair and credible elections.”
He said their “actions are not only justified but are also protected by the Nigerian Constitution. Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to assemble freely and protest”.
“We are exercising our legal right to demand justice and accountability from those in power,” he said.
According to him, the group is “liaising with a team of dedicated lawyers who will provide pro-bono services to anyone harassed or detained by the police or any law enforcement agencies during the protests”.
“We will not be silenced by intimidation or oppression,” he said.
Regarding some citizens including clerics who have been discouraging Nigerians from embarking on the protest, he said, “We are aware that some so-called comrades and clerics are distancing themselves from this protest. Let it be known that these individuals are nothing more than paid agents and sell-outs, lacking the support of the true Nigerian citizens. They do not speak for us and their actions betray the trust of the people.
“To ensure the safety and integrity of our protests, we have arranged for bouncers who will be present across all 19 Northern States to prevent any form of infiltration by hoodlums or disruptive elements. This is a peaceful protest, and we will maintain the highest standards of conduct.
“This is a clarion call to every Nigerian, not just those in the North. Stand with us in solidarity. Join us in demanding a better Nigeria. Together, our voices will resonate across the nation, and we will bring about the change we desperately need.
