Nigeria: Tension builds as ‘Take It Back Movement’ plans nationwide protests on Democracy Day
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria
A clash between protesters and security operatives is looming on Thursday as the Take It Back Movement, the rally organizers, has resolved to carry out a demonstration at the National Assembly in Abuja and 19 other locations across the country during the June 12 celebrations. President Bola Tinubu is set to address a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives today as part of Democracy Day activities, setting the stage for a combustible situation.
The Take It Back Movement had initially planned to rally against the tough reforms implemented by the Tinubu administration at Eagle Square, but later announced a change of venue. The group’s National Coordinator, Juwon Sanyaolu, confirmed that the shift in protest location did not alter the objective of the demonstration. “That we earlier said the protest would hold at the Eagle Square doesn’t foreclose the fact that Nigerians cannot organize themselves at the National Assembly to protest the two years of misrule under Tinubu,” Sanyaolu said.
The protest, expected to draw participants from various civil society groups, aims to drag attention to what the organizers described as “two years of misrule, hardship, and insecurity” under Tinubu’s government. Sanyaolu cited rising poverty, rampant insecurity, and lack of democratic accountability as key grievances. “All Nigerians from different walks of life have been mobilized; Nigerians are coming to the streets tomorrow to demand an end to bad governance,” he added.
Despite attacks on some coordinators in Lagos, Gombe, Bauchi, and Edo, among others, the protest would go on as scheduled, Sanyaolu noted. “Presently, there has been a nationwide attack on organizers, but we are not deterred.” The group has cautioned security agencies, particularly the police, against arresting or violating the rights of citizens to protest.
The Director of Mobilization for the protest in the Federal Capital Territory, Michael Adenola, said the movement had gained momentum among young Nigerians who are angered by the worsening economic conditions and government neglect. “Preparations are in order. Many Nigerian youths, who have expressed frustration over the spate of killings in the country, mass unemployment, and underfunded education, have shown commitment to participate in the protest,” Adenola stated.
The police and other security agencies have beefed up security across the country in anticipation of the protests. The Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, referred inquiries to the FCT Police Command, while the FCT Commissioner of Police, Adewale Ajao, assured law-abiding citizens of protection during the protest.
The Take It Back Movement has planned protests in at least 20 locations nationwide, including Abuja, Lagos, Akure, Benin City, and Damaturu, among others. The group has emphasized the importance of peaceful protests and has cautioned security agencies to respect the rights of protesters.
Other groups, including the #EndBadGovernanceMovement, have also slated protests for today. The Nigerian Bar Association’s Ikeja branch has written to the Lagos State Police Command seeking protection for protesters, citing the constitutional nature of peaceful assembly.
As the protests approach, security agencies have deployed personnel across various states, including Borno, Edo, Delta, Ondo, Ogun, Yobe, Osun, and Oyo. The police have vowed to address activities threatening public peace during the Democracy Day celebrations.
The protests come amid heightened tensions and economic hardship in the country, with many Nigerians demanding better governance and accountability from their leaders. The outcome of the protests remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – the voices of Nigerians will be heard loud and clear on this Democracy Day.
