Take-It-Back Movement: Protesters defy police warning, flood streets in Abuja, Lagos, Ibadan, others
The Take-It-Back Movement, alongside various civil society organisations, ignored police warnings and staged protests across major Nigerian cities on Monday, including Abuja, Lagos, Ibadan, Port Harcourt, and Osun state.
The protests, organised to express dissatisfaction with the state of the economy, the alleged misuse of the Cybercrime Act, and the ongoing repression under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, began early in the morning.
In Abuja, demonstrators gathered in the Maitama area, holding signs such as “Stop the Repression” and “Let Us Breathe.” Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, a vocal critic of the current government, led the protest.
Alongside Juwon Sanyaolu, National Coordinator of the Take-It-Back Movement, Sowore addressed the crowd, voicing concerns about inflation, growing insecurity, and the alleged unlawful use of the Cybercrime Act to silence dissent.
“This protest is about demanding better governance and restoring fundamental rights to every Nigerian,” Sowore stated.
In Lagos, the protest began at the Iwo Road end of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, where a heavy police presence did little to deter demonstrators. Many youths joined in, expressing dissatisfaction over the rising cost of living, unemployment, and the perceived misuse of state power.
Comrade Dimeji Salako, the State Coordinator of the Take-It-Back Movement in Oyo State, explained the purpose of the protest: “We are here to oppose the Cybercrime Act, which the government has weaponised to suppress free speech. This law is being used to jail innocent Nigerians merely for expressing themselves.”
The protest spread to Ibadan, where demonstrators voiced concerns over economic hardships and perceived authoritarian measures.
Comrade Kayode Babayomi, State Chairman of the African Action Congress (AAC) in Oyo, stated, “We are not here to incite violence; we are here because our fundamental rights are being trampled upon. Nigerians must not be silenced for disagreeing with the government.”
In Port Harcourt, tensions rose when police used tear gas to disperse the crowd gathered at Isaac Boro Park. Despite the police’s efforts to block the protests, including surrounding the protest site during National Police Day celebrations at Eagle Square, the demonstrators persisted, and police pursued them, using force on some, including journalists.
As protests spread across various cities, including Lagos and Ibadan, police issued further warnings, citing the risk of unrest due to the coinciding National Police Day event.
Police spokesman Muyiwa Adejobi called the protest “ill-timed,” accusing protesters of attempting to undermine the police force during a period of national celebration. Nevertheless, the demonstrators remained resolute, calling for improved governance, the repeal of repressive laws, and greater freedoms of expression.
The Take-It-Back Movement vowed to continue protesting until their demands were met. “This is just the beginning. We will not stop until the government addresses our concerns and fully respects the rights of Nigerians. The people are the true power in a democracy, and we will continue to raise our voices until we are heard,” said Juwon Sanyaolu.
In response to the ongoing protests, Nigeria’s Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, affirmed the right of every Nigerian to protest. His comments followed reports of security forces using excessive force against peaceful protesters, activists, and journalists.
Olawande stated in Abuja, “Everyone has the right to protest. The young people who are protesting have valid reasons, and that’s why they are taking to the streets. There is freedom of expression for all.”
However, he urged protesters to avoid escalating tensions or causing damage to public infrastructure.
“While exercising this right, let it not escalate into something else. We will not allow anyone to destroy the infrastructure that supports our economy,” he concluded.