On Tuesday, police officers in Abuja fired teargas at demonstrators participating in the "Fearless in October" protest, a movement against bad governance. Held in the Utako area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the protesters waved Nigeria’s Green-White-Green flag while carrying banners with messages such as "End Bad Governance," "Diaspora Voting," and "End High Living Costs."
This protest, sparked by economic frustrations, followed the August 1, 2024 #EndBadGovernance demonstration, which escalated into looting, widespread violence, and the destruction of both public and private property. The August protest, marked by the lynching and burning of buildings, further inflamed tensions across the country, making security forces wary of potential violence during the October protests.
The "Fearless in October" movement, gaining momentum on social media, voiced the growing discontent among Nigerians, particularly over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic policies. Since his administration removed petrol subsidies and unified foreign exchange rates, inflation has surged, with petrol prices jumping from N200 to over N1,000 per litre and electricity tariffs quadrupling. These hikes have severely strained Nigerian households and businesses, further deepening public dissatisfaction.
During his 64th Independence Day address, President Tinubu appealed for patience, acknowledging the hardship caused by his reforms. He assured Nigerians that his government was working to stabilize the economy and lower the cost of living. Despite these reassurances, many protesters see the situation as worsening, with a demand for immediate action rather than promises.
As tensions rise and protests grow, the threat of further unrest remains, as citizens call for accountability and relief from the economic burdens they face.
Tags
News