By Ankeli Emmanuel, Sokoto
Nigerians in Sokoto, the Seat of the Caliphate, Wednesday, gathered in thousands to protest, demanding the immediate sack of the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan.
The protesters, who wore face caps with the inscription, #Occupy INEC, marched from the Federal Secretariat, directly opposite the Usman Faruk Secretariat, through the front of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, taking a turn adjacent to the Federal High Court of Appeal before ending at the Sokoto INEC office.
While marching on the streets, accompanied by security forces and musical entertainment, the protesters also displayed placards of various sizes and messages.
Some of the placards, which were a clear indication of displeasure, read, “Amupitan Must Go”,
“Tinubu: Nigeria No Be Your Personal Property”, “Amupitan Resign Before The Streets Resign You”, and
“If You Kill The Opposition, You Kill The Nation.”
Addressing protesters at the front of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Secretariat, opposite the DSS office, the National Youth Leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Malam Yusuf Gada, said they are rallying towards having a better country for all, hence soliciting the support of all and sundry.
While saying both ordinary Nigerians and security agencies are equally not happy with the way Nigeria is being governed today, Malam Gada said that all are being faced with very terrible moments in the existence of the nation.
“We are here to make two cogent demands. “One, that the current INEC chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan must be sacked immediately, and secondly, that the president must halt all his attempts at turning Nigeria to a one party state as he is deliberately targeting the opposition.”
After the verbal address, the ADC Youth Leader presented a letter containing their demands to the INEC.
Receiving the complaint letter on behalf of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), the HOD, General Administration and Procurement, Yahaya Tanko assured protesters that their letter will be delivered to the appropriate quarters.
“We understand you are here on a peaceful protest, and you have delivered your letter which contains all your grievances. Your message is noted and will be transmitted accordingly,” Tanko assured.
Others who spoke during the protest also include women leaders, chairman, Sokoto Motorcycle/Tricycle Riders, Head of NURTW as well as representatives of various CSOs among others.
