By Joke Kujenya
ACROSS NIGERIA, the rising cost of living has driven thousands of citizens to the streets, turning the nation’s 64th Independence Day into a platform for protest.
These Nigerians, overwhelmed by inflation and skyrocketing energy prices, gathered in major cities, including Lagos and Abuja, to demand immediate reforms from President Bola Tinubu’s government.
They all argue that this is no time for celebration, but rather for action to alleviate their suffering.
The movement, tagged “FearlessInOctober,” has gained momentum on social media, amplifying calls to reverse recent economic decisions, such as the removal of the petrol subsidy and the increase in electricity tariffs.
Similar to the August #EndBadGovernance protests, this latest demonstration has brought together disillusioned youths, who express frustration over policies that have worsened living conditions.
In Abuja’s Utako district, citizens waved the national flag while carrying signs with slogans like “EndHighLivingCosts” and “DiasporaVoting.”
Protesters echoed these same calls in Lagos, where they gathered at the iconic Ikeja UnderBridge, effectively halting traffic in the area.
Their demonstrations have garnered significant support from civil society organizations (CSOs), with activists urging the government to reconsider policies that have exacerbated inflation and worsened food insecurity.
These protesters remain resolute, demanding concrete action to ease the burden on ordinary Nigerians struggling to survive amid the current economic climate.
