•Take-It-Back Movement protesters yesterday
Despite police warnings, yesterday, youths across the country under the umbrella of the #TakeItBack movement staged a rally to draw attention to several national issues. Key among the concerns raised by the organisers were the alleged misuse of the Cybercrime Act, worsening economic hardship in the country, and the emergency rule in Rivers State.
Worried by the treatment meted out to protesters and journalists in Abuja, Yobe and Port Harcourt, Amnesty International condemned the attacks on demonstrators in these cities and demanded a probe into the incidents, reports The Guardian.
The protesters, wearing orange berets, carried placards with various inscriptions, such as “Stop the repression” and “Let us breathe”.
They were, however, greeted with heavy police presence in many of the locations across the country. The police had previously warned the organisers against going forward with the protest, citing it as poorly timed and mischievous due to it coinciding with the National Police Day celebrations.
In Abuja, police dispersed protesters with tear gas canisters in the Maitama area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, led the rally consisting of the Take-It-Back Movement and other civil society organizations that ruined the grand finale of the National Police Day celebration held at the Eagle Square, Abuja.
National Coordinator of the Take-It-Back Movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, said the protest was aimed at resisting what he termed the “increasing authoritarianism” of the current administration and demanding urgent relief for Nigerians battling inflation and insecurity.
Several police personnel were also deployed to enforce traffic diversion away from Eagle Square, the venue of the National Police Day celebration. The diversion led to heavy traffic congestion on most roads leading to the city centre. The protesters, who had gathered peacefully in Maitama to express their grievances, were thrown into disarray as the tear gas canisters sent many scurrying for safety.
Coordinator of the Take-It-Back Movement, FCT Abuja, Rex Elanu, demanded the immediate release of the arrested members and called for a review of the Cybercrime Act to protect, not punish, online speech.
“During the protest, security operatives arrested two participants, the popular TIB flag bearer and our treasurer, Abosede Imanah. Police officers also seized personal belongings, including protest materials.”
In Rivers State, a tense confrontation unfolded as police clashed with protesters before they were dispersed with tear gas canisters. The officers also chased protesters, with some of the demonstrators beaten during the incident.
Amanye King, the Rivers State Coordinator of the Take-It-Back Movement, stated: “We are here peacefully to express our grievances, not to cause harm, yet security agencies are dispersing our people. We want the repeal of the Cybercrime Act, and as Rivers people, we are here to speak against the unconstitutional removal of our elected governor and the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“We are here to demand a government for the people of Rivers State because, as it stands now, we do not have a government. This government is alien to our people, unconstitutional, and we are here to demand that our Governor be returned. We have a social contract with the governor and not with the Sole Administrator. This is democracy, we are here to match against these issues.”
In Yobe State, the coordinator of the Take-It-Back Movement (TIB), Abubakar Jawa, was arrested by security agents while gathering with other protesters ahead of the procession. Jawa was arrested alongside four others: Mohammed Kayeri Adam, Suleiman A. Gambo, Maimuna Abba, and Abubakar Jawa.
In response to the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer for Yobe State, Dungus Abdulkarim, denied any knowledge of the arrests, claiming that the police had not detained any TIB members or their coordinator. He further stated that the police had made themselves available to provide security for the protest, but none of the group’s members had approached them for support.
In Lagos State, the protesters were prevented by policemen from accessing the Lagos State House of Assembly. The demonstrators had gathered at Ikeja Under Bridge, Lagos, to express their grievances. They thereafter went on a procession along Awolowo Way to Alausa, the state’s seat of power.
However, the roads leading to the Governor’s office adjoining the Lagos Assembly were barricaded by the police. The protesters, who had intended to drop a letter at the parliament, were denied access. No government officials addressed the demonstrators.
Youths in Osun State took to the major streets of Osogbo, the state capital, castigating the Cybercrime Act, saying it would erode the nation’s freedom of speech. Armed with big banners, they moved from Olaiya junction to Old Garage, Oja-Oba and Station Road areas, urging Nigerians not to allow the law to stand. Security operatives were on the ground to ensure law and order.
The protesters threatened to continue the peaceful demonstration until the Act is repealed. Lijofi Victor, the Coordinator of the Osun Take-It-Back Movement, while addressing journalists, urged President Bola Tinubu to wade in and ensure that the Act is reversed.
According to him, “A whole lot of journalists, security agents and civilians have been arrested across the country because they are speaking up, now they are bringing an Act that will back it up so you can jail us? We are saying no to it.”
It was the same in Ibadan, Oyo State, with the protesters warning President Tinubu, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the National Assembly from harassing Nigerians with obnoxious laws. The movement held their peaceful demonstration at the Iwo Road axis of the state capital with security operatives on standby to ensure no breach of peace.
The Oyo State Coordinator of the movement, Dimeji Salako, who spoke with journalists, charged Tinubu and NASS members on good governance as a condition for them to stop protesting.
Reacting, Amnesty International expressed deep concerns regarding the treatment of protesters and journalists in Abuja, Yobe and Port Harcourt. The human rights group condemned the attacks on demonstrators in these cities.
It stated: “Amnesty is deeply concerned by security forces’ attacks on protesters in Abuja and Port Harcourt. Protesters and journalists were beaten in Port Harcourt. In Damaturu, Yobe state, four activists have been unlawfully arrested. These atrocities are unacceptable and must be investigated.”
Meanwhile, the protesters have threatened to embark on another round of protest in August if their demands are not met. This is just as the federal government has expressed its support for the right of citizens, particularly young people, to protest, acknowledging their grievances and the importance of free expression.
However, the government issued a stern warning against any form of destruction of national infrastructure during protests, emphasising the need for peaceful demonstrations. This statement was made by the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, in Abuja.
Olawande noted that while the government recognises the validity of the issues raised by protesters, demonstrations must remain peaceful and not escalate into violence or the destruction of public property. Voicing his support for the right to protest, Olawande even mentioned that, had he the time, he would have joined the protests himself.
He said, “Everyone has the right to protest. If I had the time, I would join the protest myself. There is freedom of expression for all. The young people who are protesting have valid reasons—they see certain issues and feel the need to speak up. That’s why they are taking to the streets.
“However, while exercising this right, let it not escalate into something else. We will not allow anyone to destroy the infrastructural developments that support our economy and the progress we’ve made in this country. Yes, you have the right to speak, to come out and make your voice heard—even to stand by the roadside—but do not block the roads. Find a peaceful way to express your concerns; people will listen. If I have the opportunity, I’ll be there to speak with them as well.
“Protesting is a normal part of any society, and we are here to listen. No government is saying you shouldn’t protest—but there must be limits and a sense of responsibility.”
