RevolutionNow: CORE announces take-off point for nationwide protest
The stage seems set for a nationwide protest scheduled for tomorrow across major cities in Nigeria. The movement, chaperoned by the Coalition for Revolution, tagged- RevolutionNow, is a movement inspired by a similar protest which held on August, 5, 2019.
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A statement by CORE on Tuesday signed by Baba Aye and Gbenga Komolafe, Co-conveners of the revolution, reveals that the protest would be taking off from two strategic points in Lagos. The conveners said via their official Twitter handle that
“It is time to organise and revolt against bad system and dictatorship In Nigeria. Our time is now!”
According to the statement, the protest will take off from Adeniyi Jones Junction, Ikeja, by 8am prompt. The conveners further noted that the protest will simultaneously take place across other major cities in a strategic design to register their dissatisfaction regarding the gross inadequacies of the APC government
“Please take note that similar protests will also take place in cities, towns and communities nationwide under strict discipline and decorum.
“The Victoria Island protest will also start by 8:00am at the corner of Palms Mall, Oniru, on the same day.
“On August 5, 2019, the Coalition for Revolution launched a nationwide campaign against massive corruption, rising unemployment and worsening misery of the poor masses and demanded greater accountability in the management of public resources in order to engender balanced and socially just development.
“The Federal Government responded by unleashing unprecedented repression, incarceration of some leaders of the movement, and brutalisation of not less than 50 CORE activists all over the country during the protests.
“Since then, the situation in the country for most working people keeps getting worse.
“While poverty continues to increase for the many, the rate of stealing of monies that could be used to improve lives and livelihoods keeps accelerating, on a daily basis.
“To mark the one year of the #RevolutionNow Movement and relaunch the campaign for an end to unabating looting of public resources and revamping of the social and economic fabric of our country, the Coalition for Revolution will stage a massive demonstration of the collective anger and deprivation of Nigerian people on August 5, 2020.”
The Presidency in a statement yesterday, had played down the essence of the planned protest, describing it as unnecessary, but it appears the conveners of the movement will not be talked out of raising their voices to be heard.
The proposed protest by CORE appears a bold move by any stretch of the imagination, especially given President Muhammadu Buhari’s demonstration of habouring zero tolerance for revolt, which was evidenced by the capture of Yele Sowore, a known dissident accused of acting contrari-wise to the interest of public peace.
At any rate, should the protest become a reality come wednesday, it could serve as a nexus and a rallying point for many Nigerians who have been murmuring in the shadows to key in and express their dissatisfactions with the performance of the APC government.
