Security agents, #RevolutionNow protesters faceoff in Lagos

 

 

Security agents, #RevolutionNow protesters faceoff in Lagos

Although one of the arrowheads of Nigeria’s #RevolutionNow protest, Omoyele Sowore has been arrested by security forces on Saturday, the planned protest attempted to hold in the Lagos national stadium but the venue was barricaded by security operatives.

Protesters and police were seen arguing at the venue while the security forces insisted that the venue could not be reopened, preventing protesters from gathering for the #RevolutionNow protests.

Nigeria’s president, Muhammadu Buhari has said Sowore’s planned protest is illegal as the only means of taking power must come from the polls. Nigeria’s police has also said that the #RevolutionNow is a treasonable felony.

However, the arrest and continued detention of Sowore, a journalist and opposition presidential hopeful has continued to elicit reactions. Prominent Nigerians like Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka has said the #RevolutionNow is not a violent means of taking power but a civil expression.

The security forces are not letting anyone in, including sports people who use the stadium daily.

The police had earlier warned against the protest and on Saturday one of its main organisers – pro-democracy campaigner Omoyele Sowore – was arrested.

The hashtage #FreeSoworeNow is trending in Nigeria.

One of the key demands of Revolution Now protest is a call for an end to insecurity in the country, where kidnappings for ransom are rampant.