Omoyele Sowore, the leader of the #RevolutionNow Movement, has unequivocally stated that the #FearlessInOctober protest will proceed on October 1, 2024, with or without his direct participation. In an interview on News Central TV, which was closely followed by SaharaReporters, Sowore emphasized that the planned massive protest is set to continue until the government addresses the demands put forward by the protesters.
Sowore’s declaration underscores the growing frustration among Nigerians over ongoing economic and political issues. He remarked, “And I want to make it clear here whether I participate or not and I am addressing our security people, it is going to happen.” Sowore’s statement reflects his confidence that the protest will be significant, regardless of his personal involvement. He recalled similar instances from the past to underscore this point: “Just like the one in August, I was not here and it happened. Even in 2019, the protest that I was arrested for – #RevolutionNow – happened even though I was arrested two days before the protest. So nobody can stop it.”
The #FearlessInOctober protest aims to address widespread dissatisfaction with the current administration’s handling of various issues, including economic hardship, corruption, and poor governance. Sowore highlighted the persistent challenges faced by Nigerians, noting that “people are even complaining that we should not announce the date, that it should happen spontaneously.” This sentiment reflects the urgency and desperation felt by many citizens who are grappling with the effects of inadequate government policies.
Sowore also addressed criticisms regarding the gap between the #EndBadGovernance protests and the upcoming #FearlessInOctober demonstrations. He drew a comparison to international protests, stating, “Did you know that in 2023 in France, French workers protested for six months non-stop? So why the complaint about the two months when there is still hunger, starvation and corruption?” His comparison underscores the severity of the issues at hand and the perceived need for sustained protest action.
In his interview, Sowore also encouraged those who feel aggrieved to take action independently if they believe it is necessary. “And we said to anybody who feels that he is cheated or feels the burden of bad governance… if you feel any of these, you are at liberty to start whenever you want,” he stated. This open call to action highlights Sowore’s belief in grassroots activism and the importance of individual agency in addressing systemic problems.
Sowore reaffirmed his commitment to nonviolent protest, saying, “I have never been engaged in a protest that is not peaceful.” He emphasized that the nature of the protest is meant to be peaceful, even as he pointed out the challenges posed by law enforcement. “You should ask government; it is the police that kill people. The protesters did not kill themselves. It is the police,” Sowore asserted, reflecting ongoing concerns about police brutality and the treatment of demonstrators.
The upcoming #FearlessInOctober protest is poised to be a significant event in Nigeria’s civil society landscape. Sowore’s statements and the mobilization of activists signal a critical moment for public expression and political engagement in the country. As the date approaches, the eyes of both national and international observers will be on Nigeria to see how the government responds to the demands of its citizens and how the protest unfolds.
