Nigeria Patriot Front Movement Outlines Protest Guidelines for the North in Preparation for #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria Demonstrations

The Nigeria Patriot Front Movement has released a set of guidelines specifically tailored to protests planned in the Northern region of the country as part of the wider #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria demonstrations.

These guidelines, released in preparation for the nationwide protests on August 1st, take into account the unique circumstances and challenges faced in the North.

The statement, titled “August 1 Nationwide Protest Guidelines for the North,” was released to newsmen on July 30th and endorsed by prominent Northern movements, PRP-Vanguard and Kano Patriotic Movement.

It reads, “As the entire nation is by now aware, the August 1 protest is for the promotion of good governance and development in Nigeria. This protest will take place throughout the country. The following guidelines are to be observed by all participants in the protest throughout northern Nigeria. The peculiarities of the region was taken into consideration in crafting these guidelines.

• The protest will commence each day with an opening prayer.
• Time: protest activities will start at 6:00 am and close at 6:00 pm.
• Duration: 10 Days only. The first three days are crucial for success.
• Meeting Place: for Day 1: In front of Gidan Murtala by the Bridge. Protesters will spread across the entire vicinity. BUK Road, State Road, Ibrahim Taiwo Road, Sani Abacha Stadium, City. Subsequent days: protests will be held in decentralised locations. To be announced at the end of each protest day.
• Solidarity messages from protest groups in the North and across the country will be read out at the commencement of each day’s protest; followed by updates.
• A public address system will be available throughout.
• Hate Speech: this will not be tolerated. All speeches will be devoid of ethnic, religious, and regional profiling.
• Unity: emphasis is on the unity of all oppressed, exploited, and deprived people’s, irrespective of ethnic, religious and regional backgrounds.
• Focus: all verbal and written opposition will be focused on the regime, the ruling class, and their corporate allies exploiting Nigerians.
• Peace: stay peaceful throughout the protest, in and outside the venue.
• Weapons and Violence: carry no weapon: sticks, clubs, knives, machetes, guns… Not allowed at all.
• Use of Force: do not threaten the use of force or violence.
• Assistance: each one, assist one: mutual support for our collective welfare and security.
• Sexual Harassment: zero tolerance. This form of harassment will be swiftly reported to the authorities. Anyone involved in sexual harassment act is not with us.
• Freedom: there shall be no interference with the freedom of movement of any protest member.
• Equality: all demonstrators are equal and must be respected for who they are.
• Security Forces: show respect for the police, military, and all members of the security forces. Do not antagonise them. Just insist on your constitutional rights to protest.
• Daily Prayers: assist all those who wish to perform their obligatory prayers to do so. Provide space for prayers where necessary.
• Closing prayers: each day’s activities will close with prayers.”