Organisers of the planned nationwide protests under the banners #DaysOfRage and #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria have formally requested access to Eagle Square from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
The request, submitted for the period between August 1 and 10, 2024, seeks to secure the venue as the meeting point for demonstrators.
In a letter addressed to the minister, the Director of Mobilisation for the Take It Back Movement (TIB), Damilola Adenola, the organisers requested unrestricted access to Eagle Square around the clock for the entire duration of the planned demonstrations.
The letter says, “I write you as the Director of Mobilization, Take it Back Movement (TIB) to your office to grant us access to the Eagles Square between August 1st and 10th, 2024, for our #DaysOfRage, #EndBadGovernance protest.
“This request entails using this national asset-day and night-for the duration of the historic protest.”
Eagle Square, a prominent public venue in Abuja, is often the site for national events, including official ceremonies, public gatherings, and protests.
Known for its expansive layout, the square is a central feature in Abuja’s architectural landscape and a focal point for political and social demonstrations.
Additionally, the letter hints at the possibility of extending the protest period beyond the initial ten days, depending on the evolving political situation.
The organisers also requested comprehensive support services at the venue, including 24-hour power supply, toilet facilities, water, and security measures.
“Also, note that the protest may be prolonged beyond ten days as we embark on the protracted crisis occasioned by the ruling party.
“Further, your office must also ensure the provision of a 24-hour power supply, toilet facilities, water, and security for the convenience of Nigerian citizens who will be camped out at Eagle Square,” Adenola wrote.
On Thursday, the convener of the #RevolutionNow movement, Omoyele Sowore, issued a list of 14 demands from Nigerians to President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Although the organisers of the protests are still unknown, Sowore, a longstanding activist and government critic, has been promoting the protest.
Sowore, sharing the demands on his social media account, emphasised that they reflected the inputs of Nigerians participating in the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria campaign.
He stated, “So far, these are the commonest but fundamental demands from those who have responded to pursuing a general set of DEMANDs to #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria for the Days of Rage revolt scheduled for the end of July until August 2024.”
Some of the demands included the abolition of the 1999 Constitution and its replacement with a new, people-made constitution through a Sovereign National Conference and a National Referendum; the elimination of the Senate and keeping only the House of Representatives; a N250,000 monthly minimum wage; students grants and free and compulsory education for children and the unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and the demilitarization of the South East.
Earlier, President Bola Tinubu had convened an emergency closed-door meeting on Thursday with top traditional rulers, security chiefs, and governors from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The high-level meeting took place at the State House in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
Leading the APC governors was Hope Uzodinma, Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum and Imo State Governor.
The meeting was also attended by first-class traditional rulers, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, and the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Saad Abubakar III, along with other traditional leaders from across the country.
Key security figures at the meeting included National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and various ministers and members of the President’s cabinet.
Additionally, a delegation of Islamic scholars (Ulamas) joined the discussions later in the day.
The protests, organized in response to governance issues and rising living costs, have garnered significant public interest and concern.
After the call for protests began to gain ground, the Federal Government, governors and the security establishment have been trying to dissuade organisers from going ahead with the protest.
On Wednesday, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) held a meeting in Abuja, starting Wednesday night and ending early Thursday.
NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, shared that the meeting featured a briefing from the National Security Adviser (NSA), who highlighted the increasing momentum for the protests and assured support in enhancing state security
President Bola Tinubu, through the Information Minister, had appealed for patience and called for postponing the protests.
The minister said, “You see, the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu believes in the freedom of everyone within the confines of the law to do what he thinks is right for him.
“Therefore, the President is not an opponent of protest of any kind but the President is an opponent of violence and anything that will negatively hamper the wellbeing of Nigerians.
“He believes and has always been saying that within the tenets of democracy, you have every right to do whatever you want to do provided that right does not infringe on another person’s right.
“Why everybody is very cautious and very weary of this national protest is because we have seen what has happened around the world.
“We know that it’s almost impossible to hold this protest and then have peace at the end of the day. We cannot do that because some people are waiting to take the laws into their own hands.”
