As Nigeria prepares to mark Democracy Day on June 12, the Take It Back Movement has announced its intention to mobilise nationwide protests in response to the country’s deepening economic crisis, escalating insecurity, and growing concerns over the suppression of civic freedoms under the current administration.
Speaking on Monday, the National Coordinator of the group, Juwon Sanyaolu, revealed that peaceful demonstrations are scheduled to take place across at least 20 major cities nationwide. He said the decision to mobilise Nigerians stems from what he described as the persistent economic hardship and lack of decisive government action on key national issues, including insecurity and social injustice.
In Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, protesters are expected to converge at the iconic Eagle Square by 8:00 a.m., while in Lagos, demonstrators will gather simultaneously at four major points: Maryland, Agbara, Toll Gate, and Badagry, with activities kicking off as early as 7:00 a.m.
In the South-West, residents of Ondo State will assemble at Cathedral Junction in Akure by 8:00 a.m., while in Osun, the convergence point is Olaiya Junction in Osogbo. Oyo State residents are expected to gather at the popular Mokola Roundabout in Ibadan, starting from 8:00 a.m.
Moving to the South-South region, Edo State’s protest will be held at the Museum Ground in Benin City by 9:00 a.m. For Niger State in the North-Central, the gathering point is Gida Matasa, with the protest commencing at 8:00 a.m. In the North-East, citizens in Bauchi will assemble opposite the Bauchi School of ACR, Yelewam Makaranta, by 8:00 a.m., while those in Yobe are expected at the Maiduguri Bypass Roundabout in Damaturu by 7:30 a.m.
Sanyaolu, while highlighting the rationale behind the protest, pointed to alarming statistics including a report by Amnesty International indicating that more than 10,000 Nigerians have lost their lives to insecurity since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office in May 2023. He also cited data suggesting that over 133 million Nigerians are living in multidimensional poverty—a staggering reflection of the socio-economic challenges facing the country.
“In Benue State alone, over 40,000 people are internally displaced due to armed conflicts and herder-farmer clashes, while in Plateau, that figure has surged to about 68,000. This is the reality many Nigerians are living with,” he stated.
He further lamented what he described as the shrinking of civic space, alleging that dissenting voices are increasingly being silenced under the present government. According to him, the right to freedom of speech and peaceful assembly is under threat, with security agencies allegedly targeting critics and stifling opposition.
“Across the country, those who speak out against bad governance are either arrested or harassed. This is not the democracy Nigerians fought for. June 12 is symbolic—it represents a fight for justice, equity, and the right of every Nigerian to be heard,” Sanyaolu declared.
He issued a strong caution to security agencies, urging them to respect the constitutional rights of citizens to peaceful assembly. Referring to the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution and Supreme Court rulings affirming the right to protest, he stressed that law enforcement officers have a duty to protect, not intimidate, protesters.
“We want to make it clear that any attempt to repress citizens during these peaceful demonstrations will be resisted within the bounds of the law. The Nigeria Police and other security agencies must act professionally and in accordance with democratic principles,” he warned.
With multiple locations confirmed for June 12 protests, Sanyaolu called on Nigerians from all walks of life to come out en masse to demand better governance, accountability, and the protection of their fundamental rights. He emphasised that the protest is not politically motivated but driven by a genuine concern for the future of the country.
“This is not about any political party. It is about the survival of Nigeria. We urge every concerned citizen to rise and take part in this historic action to reclaim the soul of our nation,” he said passionately.
As the countdown to June 12 continues, all eyes will be on the streets as Nigerians gear up to make their voices heard in what could be one of the most significant demonstrations since the EndSARS protests of 2020.
