The Take-It-Back Movement has reaffirmed its commitment to holding a nationwide protest on Monday, April 7, despite warnings and security alerts from law enforcement agencies.
The planned demonstration, titled “Nationwide Protest Against Bad Governance and Free Speech Suppression,” aims to challenge what the group describes as growing authoritarianism under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
The movement is also demanding the repeal of the Cybercrime Act and an end to what it calls the “military-style” emergency rule currently in place in Rivers State.
In a statement to The Punch, the National Coordinator of the Take-It-Back Movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, confirmed that preparations for the protest are in full gear and that the action will proceed as scheduled, regardless of any intimidation.
“We are not backing down,” Sanyaolu declared. “This protest is about defending democratic rights and pushing back against the oppression being meted out by the Tinubu government. We are speaking out against the misuse of laws like the Cybercrime Act to stifle free speech and dissent, and the ongoing abuse of power in Rivers State.”
Security Alert and Police Response
In anticipation of the protest, the Lagos State Police Command has reportedly issued a directive to its divisions, placing officers on alert across the state. However, the Take-It-Back Movement has urged security agencies not to interfere with or incite violence during what it maintains will be a peaceful demonstration.
“We caution the police and other security forces not to provoke protesters. The demonstration is peaceful, and we expect law enforcement to act professionally by ensuring the safety of all involved,” Sanyaolu said.
Core Demands and Civic Engagement
The movement emphasized that its primary goal is to defend civic spaces and ensure that Nigerians retain the right to freely organize and speak out against perceived injustice.
“Our protest is about keeping the civic gate open,” Sanyaolu noted. “We want to make it clear that Nigerians have the right to organize against systemic injustice and the policies of a government that continues to shrink democratic freedoms.”
He added that the movement will resist any unlawful attempt by security agents to suppress or disrupt the peaceful gathering.
