Protests against hardship and poverty, dubbed #FearlessInOctober, have begun today in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Lagos, following the #EndBadGovernance demonstrations held in August. The current protests reflect the ongoing economic struggles faced by many Nigerians as they demand urgent action from the government.
In Abuja, demonstrators gathered at Utako Market, brandishing signs that read messages like “Bad Governance has killed the dreams of Nigerian youth” and “Enough is Enough.” One protester voiced the frustration of many, stating, “We are buying fuel at N1,000, and you expect us not to protest? We are hungry.” Meanwhile, in Lagos, hundreds congregated at Ikeja Underbridge, with a strong security presence already in place by early morning.
Protesters like Tunde Aderibigbe expressed their desperation, saying, “Nigerians are hungry, there are no jobs, people are homeless, and healthcare is poor. It’s so bad that basic things are now seen as luxury.” Calls for better living conditions and immediate reforms echoed throughout the gatherings, highlighting the urgent need for change.
The protests come in the wake of President Bola Tinubu’s Independence Day address, in which he reassured citizens of better days ahead and promised economic reforms to alleviate the ongoing hardships faced by Nigerians. However, the protesters are demanding more immediate action and accountability from the government.
