April 7, Nationwide Protest: ‘Take-It-Back Movement’ Insists On Going Ahead

…Urges police to stay off the demonstartions

In spite of warnings and security red alert by security agencies in the country, the “Take-It-Back Movement’ has insisted on proceeding with its planned nationwide protest scheduled to hold on Monday, April 7, 2025.

Tagged; “Nationwide Protest Against Bad Governance and Free Speech Suppression” the Movement said that it is aimed at challenging what it described as the “growing authoritarianism” of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration.

The Movement is demanding for the immediate repeal of the Cybercrime Act and an end to “military-style” emergency rule currently in place in Rivers State.

The movement further said 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.

These were contained in a statement by Juwon Sanyaolu, National Coordinator of the ‘Take-It-Back Movement’, who said that preparations for the protest are in full gear and would proceed as scheduled, regardless of any intimidation or state suppression.

In the words of Sanyaolu; “Our protest is about keeping the civic gate open. 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.

“We are not backing down. 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,” he said.

This was as the Nigeria Police Force, Lagos State Command has placed its officers and men on red alert across the nooks and crannies of the State.

But, the ‘Take-It-Back Movement’ said that it is unperturbed with the warning of the police, urging it to stay clear and not interfere with or incite violence during its peaceful protests.

Sanyaolu further said; “We caution the police and other security forces not to provoke protesters. Our planned protest is a peaceful one, and we expect the law enforcement to act professionally by ensuring the safety of all involved”.

The organisers of the nationwide protests warned that they would resist any unlawful attempt by security agencies to suppress or disrupt the peaceful demonstrations.