In response to the appeal by President Bola Tinubu to end the protest, which has claimed several lives, following his broadcast on Sunday morning, the organisers: Take It Back Movement, Youth Rights Campaign and the Creative Change Centre, in separate interviews with The Sunday, vowed to carry on with the demonstration, stating that Tinubu did not address their demands in his Sunday morning national broadcast.
Tinubu had called for dialogue and an immediate end to the nationwide protests that have rocked the nation since Thursday.
Protesters, largely youths, have been marching across several states, including Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, for an end to “bad governance” and economic hardship.
Tear gas and gunshots were fired to disperse protesters and journalists in Abuja with several arrests made by security operatives on Saturday.
The protest has also been marred by reported lootings by hoodlums in Kano, Kaduna and other northern states, with the police going after the culprits to recover some items.
However, the President, who said his administration was ready to listen to and address the concerns of the protesters, claimed he has heard their calls “loud and clear.”
Tinubu also commiserated with the families of Nigerians who died during clashes with security forces and those who lost property to lootings recorded in various states.
“I hereby enjoin protesters and the organisers to suspend any further protest and create room for dialogue, which I have always acceded to at the slightest opportunity,” he declared.
He said the country required all hands on deck regardless of age, party, tribe, religion or other divides to work together in reshaping its common destiny.
To the protesters, he said, “I have heard you loud and clear. I understand the pain and frustration that drive these protests, and I want to assure you that our government is committed to listening and addressing the concerns of our citizens.
“But we must not let violence and destruction tear our nation apart. We must work together to build a brighter future where every Nigerian can live with dignity and prosperity.
“Let nobody misinform and mis-educate you about your country or tell you that your government does not care about you.”
But responding to Tinubu’s appeal, the Director of Mobilisation, Take It Back movement, Damilare Adenola, said the group would continue to mobilise mass support for the demonstration and demand the unconditional release of protesters in custody.
The Civil Society Situation Room had in a statement on Friday said 1,150 persons had been arrested, 21 killed and injured during confrontations with security agencies.
But the police said on Saturday that a total of 681 criminals were arrested for committing various offences between Thursday and Friday.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, in a statement, also noted that only seven persons had been killed during the protests.
However, Adenola disclosed that they were making frantic efforts to ensure that the protesters were released, adding that their lawyers were working to ensure the release of the protesters.
He said, “We demand the immediate and unconditional release of all arrested protesters. We will continue to mobilise legal support, provide resources for them, and amplify their stories to ensure their voices are not silenced. We will also hold the government accountable for any mistreatment or human rights abuses they may have suffered while in custody.”
The campaigner also said the group would continue to exercise their constitutional rights in the face of government’s intimidation.
He added that a strategy to ensure the citizens participating in the protest would be adopted.
Adenola noted, “We will continue to exercise our constitutional right to peaceful protest, even in the face of government intimidation. We will adapt our tactics to ensure the safety of our members while maintaining the momentum of our movement. We will also continue to build public support and solidarity to counter the government’s attempts to silence us.”
He denied the involvement of the group with the Kano protesters seen waving what appeared to be Russian flags.
He said, “We don’t dictate what individuals choose to bring to our protests. People have the right to express themselves freely, and that includes holding flags or symbols of their choice. Our movement is focused on Nigerian issues and demands, and we won’t be swayed by attempts to divert attention or discredit our cause. We’re united in our call for change, and that’s what matters.”
He said he would not go underground if the intimidation by the government intensified.
