As Nigeria approaches its 64th Independence Day, the Defence Headquarters has announced that military troops are on alert to assist police forces during a nationwide protest scheduled for today, October 1. This decision comes amidst rising concerns from civil society organizations and legal experts who warn that military involvement could escalate tensions and lead to violence.
#### Background of the Protests
The upcoming protests, organized under the hashtag #FearlessInOctober, are seen as a continuation of the #EndBadGovernance protests that took place from August 1 to August 10, which were sparked by the widespread economic hardship affecting many Nigerians. These earlier protests, particularly in northern regions, saw instances of violence, looting, and the controversial display of Russian flags by some demonstrators. Authorities responded by arresting approximately 30 individuals associated with these flags, including a producer of the flags in Kano, Ahmed Bello, who was found with a significant quantity in his possession.
In a notable legal development, ten protesters were arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on multiple charges, including treason and inciting unrest against the administration of President Bola Tinubu. These charges were reportedly linked to the actions of a 70-year-old British national, Andrew Wynne, who remains at larger
In anticipation of the protests, Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Media Operations, confirmed in an interview that the military is prepared to support the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to uphold law and order during the demonstrations. “The military is on alert and prepared to support the police in line with constitutional provisions, particularly in the face of a potential breakdown of law and order,” he stated.
The 33 Artillery Brigade based in Bauchi has indicated its readiness to assist but noted that they have yet to receive any formal request from the police. Public Relations Officer Solomon Hallet emphasized that while the military stands ready to intervene when necessary, it typically refrains from engaging in civil disturbances unless explicitly called upon.
In Borno State, Lt. Col. A.Y. Jingina confirmed that troops are on high alert to support police efforts in maintaining peace, especially given the sensitive nature of the region. However, he refrained from disclosing the number of personnel involved in the operation.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has also begun deploying personnel and equipment for the Independence Day celebrations. Spokesperson Josephine Adeh outlined the measures being taken, which include anti-riot equipment and Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams, aimed at ensuring a peaceful celebration for residents.
Juwon Sanyaolu, the National Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement, has urged Nigerians from all walks of life to join the protest against what he describes as the “neo-liberal and anti-people policies” of the Tinubu government. He emphasized the need for collective action from students facing tuition hikes, workers receiving inadequate wages, and citizens affected by rising insecurity.
Sanyaolu declared, “We are calling on everyone who has faced economic dispossession to seize this opportunity to voice their discontent. Enough is enough! We will protest until victory is ensured.” The planned locations for the protests include the Eagle Square in Abuja and the Ikeja Under Bridge in Lagos, despite government restrictions on gathering
Legal experts and civil society representatives have expressed deep concerns regarding the deployment of military forces to manage the protests. Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Kunle Adegoke, argued that such measures are unwarranted for a peaceful assembly and could exacerbate tensions. He stressed that the role of the military is not suitable for managing civil demonstrations and urged the government to rely on police forces instead.
Another legal practitioner, Mike Ozekhome (SAN), echoed this sentiment, asserting that military personnel are trained for external threats, not internal peaceful protests. He warned of the potential unintended consequences of using military force against citizens exercising their constitutional rights.
Mohammed Mohammed, also a senior lawyer, noted that while the right to peaceful assembly is protected under the Nigerian Constitution, this right is not absolute. He remarked on the necessity for police and military forces to protect lives and property, especially if protests turn violent, emphasizing the importance of maintaining order while respecting citizens’ rights.
Augustine Alegeh, SAN, highlighted the importance of peaceful conduct during protests. He indicated that if demonstrators remain non-violent, there would be less need for police intervention. He cautioned that any violent actions could pose risks to peaceful protesters, necessitating protection from law enforcement.
Human rights advocates, including Okechukwu Nwanguma, Executive Director of the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre, warned that military presence could create an atmosphere of intimidation and undermine citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly. He reiterated that peaceful protests are a fundamental civic responsibility and encouraged the government to engage with citizens to facilitate safe demonstrations.
In parallel developments, a High Court in Abeokuta, Ogun State, has imposed restrictions on protests, allowing gatherings only at designated locations such as the MKO Abiola Stadium and Gateway International Stadium. This ruling followed a petition by the Ogun State Attorney-General and aims to ensure order during the protests.
Similarly, the Chief Judge of Kwara State has ruled that protests in the state should be confined to the Metropolitan Square in Ilorin. These legal constraints reflect a broader trend of governmental responses to anticipated unrest during national events.
As Nigeria prepares for the October 1 protests, the atmosphere remains tense, underscored by military readiness and legal restrictions on public demonstrations. The balancing act between maintaining public order and respecting citizens’ rights to protest poses significant challenges for the government. With calls for peaceful assembly echoing across the nation, the events of today will be closely watched by both supporters and critics of the current administration. The unfolding situation serves as a critical reminder of the importance of dialogue, respect for constitutional rights, and the role of civil society in advocating for accountability and transparency in governance.
