Human rights activist and Convener of the #RevolutionNow movement, Omoyele Sowore, has categorically denied the postponement of the planned #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest. Addressing the issue on Wednesday via his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, Sowore labelled the reports of a postponement as “fake news.”
In his statement, Sowore wrote: “PLEASE IGNORE THE DESPERATE FAKE ANNOUNCEMENT IN CIRCULATION THAT #EndBadGovernance REVOLT HAS BEEN POSTPONED. IT IS FALSE! #nogoingback #DaysOfRage #RevolutionNow.”
Nigerians are set to take to the streets in large numbers for a ten-day protest starting August 1, to express their dissatisfaction with the policies of President Bola Tinubu’s government and the general state of governance in the country.
Contrary to a recent circular issued on Wednesday, which suggested shifting the protest to October 1, 2024, to coincide with the country’s Independence Day celebrations, Sowore has maintained that the original schedule remains unchanged. He dismissed the postponement news as false and urged participants to prepare for the upcoming demonstration.
There have been efforts by government authorities and supporters to dissuade the public from joining the protests, including threats and intimidation. On Tuesday, a group of thugs allegedly loyal to President Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) reportedly stormed a popular market in Lagos Island, Lagos State, to warn traders and residents against participating in the nationwide protests.
A viral video, reported by SaharaReporters, showed the group using a loudspeaker to intimidate traders, threatening them with severe consequences if they joined the protest. The footage captures the thugs moving through the market, issuing warnings to the traders. “Things should not get destroyed in Lagos. If they close your shops, what will you do?” one of them said. “We dare anyone to come out on Thursday to join the protest. This is just a warning.”
Supporters are advised to remain cautious and stay informed through verified channels as the situation develops.