As the nationwide protest scheduled for August 1, 2024, approaches, Deji Adeyanju, one of the protest’s key organizers, has firmly asserted that the demonstration will proceed as planned. In an interview with Vanguard on Monday, Adeyanju emphasized that there is “no going back” on the protest, despite ongoing concerns and challenges.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
“The protest is going to hold on Thursday, and there is no going back on it,” Adeyanju declared.
He reassured the public that the event would be conducted peacefully, urging participants to remain calm and focused on their demands.
Addressing concerns about the protest’s safety, Adeyanju highlighted that one of the primary goals is to ensure the security of participants.
“The idea is to ensure that people are as peaceful as possible and that security agencies protect the protesters,” he said.
He stressed that all demands would be clearly communicated to the government to facilitate understanding and response.
On the matter of police preparedness, Adeyanju dismissed concerns about whether a formal application for the protest had been submitted, noting that “Nigerians don’t need to apply for protest; the courts have consistently upheld this right.”
He expressed confidence that the police would not interfere with the protest, stating, “Protest is the constitutional right of the citizens; the police have no right to stop it.”
Regarding the potential for disruption by groups withdrawing from the protest or other government-sponsored interference, Adeyanju was adamant.
“The government is sponsoring people to attack protesters, similar to what happened during #EndSARS,” he alleged. He also warned that the government might attempt to undermine the protest by creating distractions.
Adeyanju called on security agencies to fulfill their duties and protect peaceful demonstrators.
“The goal is to appeal to security agencies to do their job,” he said.
He also noted that if the government allows the protest to proceed without obstruction, it would achieve its intended goals.
With just three days remaining until the protest, Adeyanju urged the government to address the public’s grievances promptly.
“The government should meet the demands before the protest starts,” he said.
“Government exists primarily for the people, and if it is not addressing their needs, it should listen to their cries and act accordingly.”