The #RevolutionNow protest has been scheduled to take place on Thursday, October 1st, Nigeria’s 60th Independence Anniversary.
The #RevolutionNow protest is led by the former presidential candidate and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore.
It was first staged on August 5, 2019, and the second edition of the same date this year, held across major cities in Nigeria. However, the peaceful demonstrations have been met with a clampdown by security operatives, resulting in arrests and incarceration of many protesters.
The demonstration is to demand the reversal of “anti-people policies implemented by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration.”
“These harsh policies that have bored a burdensome hole into the pockets of the Nigerian people are coming at a time when citizens are recovering from the adverse effect of the COVID-19 pandemic, a global health crisis that was also mismanaged by the Buhari’s government further plunging already struggling citizens into deeper financial problems.
“It also comes at a time when there is an unprecedented dictatorial-style crackdown on free speech, dissent, activism, journalism and the right to associate and congregate peacefully and protest.”
Equally important, the #RevolutionNow protest march will take place in all 36 states across Nigeria as well as some places in London; Sweden; Netherlands, San Francisco; New York; Washington DC; also Germany; as well as Canada.
On Tuesday afternoon, Sowore challenged Burna Boy, a prominent Nigerian Afrobeats artiste to join his agenda on October 1st.
Omoyele Sowore made the call with a message he shared on social media.
According to the former presidential candidate, many describe Burna Boy as a revolutionary musician and he has been likened to the late Afrobeat legend, Fela Kuti.
He wrote on Instagram;
“@burnaboygram everywhere I turn people describe you as a revolutionary musician.
”The foreign media even celebrate you compare you to Fela Kuti; but I am yet to see you lead anyone to a police station carrying a coffin for head of state! Join #Oct1stProtest”
Burna Boy has since declined the offer; stating that he does not trust politicians. His response has since divided opinions among Nigerians on social media.
A certain section of Twitter users are dragging him for being unable to live up to his African Giant pseudonym.
Here is what they are saying;
