Join us today!
Printable version
Link to this page: https://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/1108/31595
From The Socialist newspaper, 4 November 2020
Leeds protesters demand "Buhari must go!"
photo Iain Dalton (Click to enlarge)
Leeds Socialist Party
For the second weekend in a row, protesters gathered in Leeds in solidarity with the #EndSARS protests in Nigeria. Organised by the Nigerian Student Society at Leeds University and Black Lives Matter Leeds, at least 80 attended.
The Socialist Party's leaflets, including text from a leaflet given out by the Youth Rights Campaign (YRC) in Nigeria, were snapped up by almost everyone attending the protest. As well as '#EndSARS' placards being carried by many on the protest, other slogans included "Bobo has been a bad boy" (referring to President Buhari) and "Nigeria is a country with everything, but has nothing."
Esther, vice-president of the Nigerian Student Society told us: "Buhari and his government should just step down... those who've taken part in the protest in Nigeria have started something much bigger." Precious, who had travelled to the protest from York, explained to protesters how successive governments have looted the countries resources, leading several chants of "Buhari Must Go."
Marvina, from Black Lives Matter Leeds, who chaired the rally, made the important point that, as well as tackling the immediate issues of police brutality raised by the #EndSARS movement, it is also important to tackle the roots of these issues. Including the legacy of British imperialism's rule of Nigeria and the broken system bequeathed on the country.
Iain Dalton, Socialist Party Yorkshire Organiser, explained how the capitalist system is based on systematic exploitation of working-class people around the world to produce profits for those at the top of society. Capitalism relies on the forces of the state like the police to protect this system. He called for the resources of society to be brought into public ownership, and democratically controlled, so they can be planned to meet the needs of ordinary people.
Donate to the Socialist Party
Finance appeal
The coronavirus crisis has laid bare the class character of society in numerous ways. It is making clear to many that it is the working class that keeps society running, not the CEOs of major corporations.
The results of austerity have been graphically demonstrated as public services strain to cope with the crisis.
- The Socialist Party's material is more vital than ever, so we can continue to report from workers who are fighting for better health and safety measures, against layoffs, for adequate staffing levels, etc.
- We must be ready for the stormy events ahead and the need to arm workers' movements with a socialist programme - one which puts the health and needs of humanity before the profits of a few.
Inevitably, during the crisis we have not been able to sell the Socialist and raise funds in the ways we normally would.
We therefore urgently appeal to all our viewers to donate to our Fighting Fund.
In The Socialist 4 November 2020:
What we think
Our lives, our jobs - not safe in Tory hands
Corbyn suspended - Time to fight for a new mass workers' party
Socialism 2020: Mass workers' voice needed
Unison
Why the Socialist Party is backing Hugo Pierre for Unison general secretary
News
A lockdown that doesn't include education?
Testing is failing - it's a privatised mess
Furloughed worker speaks out: Let down by insecure contracts
Workplace
Transport for London given funding stop gap
Usdaw needs a fighting leadership
Birmingham NHS porters' 48-hour strike against shift changes
Optare strikers escalate their action
International news
Chile: A defeat for the right!
Poland: Mass protests against abortion ban
Campaigns
Save St Andrews mental health ward
Leeds protesters demand "Buhari must go!"
Building Bangor Socialist Students
Maybe now they will listen - Refund the fees!
Donate now to the Socialism 2020 appeal
Corbyn suspended: Join the fightback, join the socialists
Readers' opinion
Home | The Socialist 4 November 2020 | Join the Socialist Party
Subscribe | Donate | Audio | PDF | ebook
2020