The Take-It-Back movement has stated that the nationwide protest set for Monday, April 7 cannot be canceled.
This comes as the Lagos State Police Command has issued instructions to all commanding officers and personnel under its authority, informing them about the protest.
Take-It-Back has organized a national protest aimed at addressing issues such as the “authoritarian tendencies of President Bola Tinubu’s government,” violations of human rights, and the alleged improper use of the Cybercrime Act.
The demonstration is labeled: “National protest against poor leadership and restricted freedom of expression.”
Speaking with
Sunday PUNCH
The National Coordinator of the movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, stated that the scheduled protest will proceed regardless of the security warning.
He revealed that the main demands of the demonstration consist of: repealing the Cybercrime Act and ending the state of emergency in Rivers State, which he characterized as a form of military dictatorship during Tinubu’s leadership.
Based on leaflets provided to our reporter, the event organizers instructed protesters in Lagos to gather beneath the Ikeja overpass, whereas participants in Oyo State should assemble along Iwo Road in Ibadan. The demonstration was scheduled to commence at Isaac Bboro Park in Port Harcourt, within Rivers State.
Sanyaolu stated, “We will proceed with our scheduled demonstration. This protest is countrywide, targeting the oppressive regime of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Our grievances include the government’s rollback on certain democratic liberties for citizens as well as its authoritarian tendencies.”
What we stand for is to maintain the openness of the civic space, ensuring that Nigerians can openly protest against systematic injustices and poor leadership, which have characterized this administration.
Sanyaolu warned the police and other security forces against instigating violence, stating, “It is important for us to warn the police and other security bodies not to escalate tensions by adding violent elements to what should be a calm demonstration. Their role ought to be maintaining order and safeguarding all individuals involved in the protest.”
He said that the demonstrators would stand firm against any effort by law enforcement to interfere with their demonstration.
Nevertheless, the Lagos Police Command stated that intelligence reports indicated “certain groups acting under the pretense of civil society organizations” are planning to organize protests throughout Nigeria.
The document states, “An intelligence report available to Command indicates that certain subversive groups masquerading as Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and other misdirected anti-government entities intend to provoke a national demonstration on April 7, 2025. Their objective is to highlight what they view as the escalating expense of living and restrictions on freedom of expression.”
Moreover, these groups have inundated social media channels with stories designed to garner public empathy, discredit the administration, and rally backing for their demonstrations. Past events indicate that lawbreakers might exploit this unrest to incite chaos, including assaults on governmental institutions and political adversaries, thereby disrupting economic and societal functions within the state.
As a result, the Commissioner of Police has instructed for enhanced security measures at crucial facilities and various strategic sites throughout the state. This precaution aims to prevent any unforeseen incidents preceding, accompanying, and following the planned demonstration.
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