Organizers Of 2nd Phase Of Nationwide Protest Roll Out 17 Demands Ahead Of October 1 #EndBadGovernance Protest
The Organisers of the projected second phase of the #EndBadGovernance protest scheduled to kick start on October 1, 2024 being led by prominent activist, Omoyele Sowore has given the Federal Government 17 non-negotiable demands to be met.
The organisers said that the demands are part of the renewed efforts aimed at tackling the nation’s worsening economic crisis, bad governance issues, and widespread public discontent.
Sowore stressed that the demands were carefully drawn based on extensive input from Nigerians actively engaged in the struggle to liberate Nigeria from the shackles of power hungry leaders that are only concern about themselves and members of their families.
He also said that the demands pointedly aimed to address a broad spectrum of concerns, reflecting the growing frustrations of citizens from all walks of life.
Sowore said one of the key demands is the immediate and unconditional release of all individuals arrested and detained as a result of the initial #EndBadGovernance protests that took place across the country from August 1 to 10, 2024, and the reinstatement of a corruption-free subsidy regime to alleviate hunger and poverty.
They particularly demanded the reconstitution of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to eliminate corruption, and a major overhaul of the judiciary to remove corrupt judges and ensure access to justice for all Nigerians
These were in addition to the unfreezing of assets belonging to those who participated in the nationwide protests.
The organisers are also demanding from the government, appropriate compensation for the hardships they endured during the peaceful protests.
Sowore specifically called for the removal and prosecution of some high-ranking government officials, including the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Bernard Igwe, and Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
The organisers accused three officials of playing central roles in the violent suppression of legitimate protests which resulted in the deaths of peaceful protesters and the unlawful detention of many, including minors.
They are also demanding a push for major structural changes that the immediate scrapping of the 1999 Constitution which they want replaced with a new, people-driven Constitution through a Sovereign National Conference to be followed by a National Referendum.
The organisers of the October 1, protest specifically demanded the scrapping of the Senate and the making the House of Representatives a part-time legislature.
They also want a new minimum wage of at least N250,000 monthly for Nigerian workers instituted and also demanded for a comprehensive reform and investment in the Education and also insisted on the provision of grants as against loans to students, as well as the enforcement of free and compulsory education for all children across the country.
Other demands of the protesters include the unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and other political detainees, the renationalization of publicly owned enterprises previously sold to government cronies.
They also demanded for the prosecution of corrupt past and present Nigerian leaders, adding that recovered funds from such public officers should directed towards education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.
They equally demanded the restructuring of Nigeria to ensure better representation of its diverse population, and the end of banditry and terrorism, and comprehensive reforms of the security sector.
Other demands of the organisers include the creation of a Special Energy Fund to drive power sector development, a massive public works and industrialization program to create jobs for the youth,
The protesters equally proposed for a diaspora voting rights for a more inclusive and democratic electoral process.
