By Ankeli Emmanuel, Sokoto
Nigerians from Sokoto, the Seat of the Caliphate Wednesday gathered in thousands to protest, demanding the immediate sack of INEC chairman, Professor Josh Amupitan.
The protesters who wore face caps with the inscription, #Occupy INEC marched from the Federal Secretariat directly opposite the Usman Faruk Secretariat through front of Sokoto State House of Assembly, taking a turn adjacent the Federal High Court of Appeal before ending at the Sokoto INEC office.
While marching on the street 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 reads, “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 front of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Secretariat, opposite DSS office, the National Youth Leader of the ADC Malam Yusuf Gada said they are arriving 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 govern today, Malam Gada said all of us are being faced with very terrible moment in our existence as a nation.
“We are here to make two cogent demands. “One, that the current INEC chairman, Prof. Josh Amupitan must be sacked immediately, and secondly, that the president must halt all his attempt at turning Nigeria to a one party state as he is deliberately targeting oppositions’.
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 Adminstration and Procurement, Yahaya Tanko assured protesters that their letter will be delivered to appropriate quarter.
‘we understand you are here on a peaceful protest, and you have delivered your letter which contains all your griviances. Your message is noted and will be transmitted accordingly”. Tanko assured.
Others who spoke at the protest also include women leaders, chairman Sokoto Motorcycle/Tricycle Riders, Head or NURTW as well as representatives of various CSOs amongst others.
