The protest, organised to start on Nigeria's Independence Day, aims to demand an end to bad governance and advocate for accountability from those in power.
Pro-democracy group, the Take-It-Back movement has formally written to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, regarding the planned #FearlessInOctober protest slated for October 1.
The protest, organised to start on Nigeria's Independence Day, aims to demand an end to bad governance and advocate for accountability from those in power.
In the TIB letter, their counsel and human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, highlighted the protest's intention to address the pressing socio-economic challenges facing Nigeria.
He noted that the #FearlessInOctober protest serves as a call to action for citizens to voice their concerns and hold leaders accountable for the deteriorating state of the nation.
Effiong reaffirmed the commitment of the Take-It-Back Movement to peaceful advocacy while urging the police to ensure the safety and protection of all citizens participating in the demonstration.
In a statement on Friday, obtained by SaharaReporters, said the protest is intended to serve as a call to action against the current socio-economic challenges confronting our dear country, Nigeria.
The letter read, “We remain a public interest law firm committed to promoting social justice and human rights in Nigeria. Acting on the express instruction of the TAKE IT BACK MOVEMENT, (our Clients), we write to notify you, pursuant to Section 83(4) of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, of our Clients' intention to organize a peaceful protest across various locations in Nigeria on the 1st of October, 2024.
"Our clients, a concerned citizens' group will be staging the peaceful protest on 1 of October, 2024, to demand an end to bad governance and advocate for accountability from those in power. This protest is intended to serve as a call to action against the current socio-economic challenges confronting our dear country, Nigeria.”
He explained that for the purpose of the protest, the Take-It-Back Movement will be gathering at the designated locations listed below, where they will march peacefully and orderly in the exercise of their constitutional right to freedom of expression:
Lagos State: Ikeja, under Bridge, Ogun State: Governor's Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Osun State: OAU Campus gate, lie-Ife, Ondo State: Cathedral Roundabout, Akure, Delta State: Amukpe Roundabout, Sapele and Gombe State: Rainbow Roundabout.
Other states are: Kwara State: Post Office. Underbridge, Adamawa State: Police Roundabout, Jimetta, Rivers State: Pleasure Park, Portharcourt, Yobe State: Damaturu Main Roundabout,nBorno State: Arewa Youths for Peace Office and Abuja: Eagle Square.
He said, "Sir, by virtue of Section 83(4) of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, where a person or organization notifies the police of their intention to hold a public meeting, rally or procession on a public highway or such meetings in a place where the public has access to, the police officer responsible for the area where the meeting or procession will take place, shall mobilize personnel to provide security for the meeting, rally or procession.
"In view of the above section of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020 which governs the operations of police officers in Nigeria, we respectfully request that you issue directives to Commissioners of Police across the designated protest areas and all relevant departments to provide adequate security measures, ensuring the protection of lives and property during the protest.
"We respectfully demand that the constitutionally guaranteed rights of our Clients are respected and not infringed upon as they embark on the peaceful protest," Effiong added.