A potentially volatile situation is unfolding in Nigeria as the Take It Back Movement plans to stage protests at the National Assembly in Abuja and 19 other locations across the country today, June 12, to coincide with Democracy Day celebrations.
The protests are aimed at highlighting the country’s economic hardship, insecurity, and perceived misrule under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The group’s National Coordinator, Juwon Sanyaolu, confirmed that the protests would go ahead as planned, despite reports of security agencies cracking down on organizers in several states, including Lagos, Gombe, Bauchi, and Edo.
Sanyaolu urged Nigerians to turn out in large numbers to demand an end to bad governance, citing rising poverty, insecurity, and lack of democratic accountability as key grievances.
“We have nothing to fear and we have nothing to lose but our chains,” Sanyaolu said, adding that the protests were a constitutional right and a necessary step to address the country’s woes.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu is set to address a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives today as part of Democracy Day activities, having cancelled his previously scheduled nationwide broadcast.
The President’s appearance at the National Assembly coincides with the planned protests, which could lead to a confrontation between protesters and security operatives.
Security agencies have already beefed up security across the country in anticipation of the protests.
Sanyaolu, however, cautioned security agencies against arresting or violating the rights of citizens to protest, warning that such actions would only escalate tensions.
As the country marks its 26th Democracy Day anniversary, the protests are likely to draw attention to the challenges facing Nigeria and the growing discontent among citizens.
The outcome of today’s events remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – the eyes of the nation are on the National Assembly and the streets of Abuja and other cities across the country.