Kano State mobilisers for the nationwide protest against bad governance have unveiled their identities and outlined their demands for the August 1, 2024, demonstration.
Thirteen civil society organisations, operating under the Northern Chapter of the Nigeria Patriotic Front Movement (NPFM) and led by Anas Adamu, announced their plans at a press conference on Tuesday evening in Kano.
The group issued a communiqué confirming their intention to proceed with the protest as scheduled.
The communiqué detailed the group’s demands to the Nigerian government, which include reducing the petrol pump price to between N160 and N200, curbing inflation on food, housing, and electricity, lowering interest rates, cutting the cost of governance, and addressing national insecurity.
The organisers also outlined directives for the protest. Participants are prohibited from carrying weapons, engaging in harassment or violence, and looting property.
“Our protest will be peaceful and in accordance with the rights guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended),” the communiqué stated.
The group called on the people of Kano State and Nigeria to participate in the protest on August 1 to express their dissatisfaction with governance. They also urged foreign entities to refrain from interfering in Nigeria’s domestic affairs.
“We urge the public to disregard any attempts by paid agents, who benefit from the current suffering, to intimidate or dissuade us from protesting against poor governance,” the communiqué emphasized.
The organisers stressed the importance of the protest: “If we do not act now, how will the government take our concerns seriously? It is time to assert our authority as citizens to ensure those in power do not continue to disregard us.”
“This August 1 protest is just the beginning. It will proceed regardless of opposition,” the statement concluded.
The group reiterated: “President Tinubu must heed the voice of the people and change course before it is too late.”
