Everything we observed from the ‘lukewarm’ Take-It-Back protest in Lagos yesterday
On Monday morning, the Take-It-Back (TIB) movement, alongside various civil society groups, initiated a protest in Lagos to decry bad governance and the suppression of free speech in Nigeria.
Unlike the EndSARS and even the more recent Hunger Protest, the protests failed to register in the minds of many Lagosians who spoke to our correspondents.
Moreover, the protesters who gathered in Lagos were quickly dispersed, and normal activities resumed as early as noon.
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) had advised against the protests in the last week, citing its coincidence with the inaugural National Police Day. The NPF had labeled the timing as “ill-conceived and mischievous,” urging organizers to consider dialogue over demonstrations
However, the organizers proceeded with their plans, and the demonstration commenced around 9:30 a.m. at the Ikeja under-bridge. Participants marched from there through Obafemi Awolowo Way toward the Lagos State House of Assembly.
As the protesters approached the Lagos State House of Assembly, they were met with a police barricade led by senior officer Tijani Fatai. Addressing the crowd, Fatai stated, “We can’t allow you to go inside for security reasons, but we can protect you here.”
This restriction led to a standoff, with protesters expressing frustration over being denied access to the assembly complex, which they referred to as “the people’s house.”
By early afternoon, Neusroom visited locations in Yaba, Ikeja Under-Bridge and Computer Village, Allen Avenue, and Alausa.
Correspondents observed that normalcy had returned to these key areas, and businesses were conducted as expected on any Monday in Lagos.
In a press briefing during the brief protest, TIB’s national coordinator, Juwon Sanyaolu, articulated the group’s demands, which included:
- The immediate repeal of the Cybercrime Act, criticized for allegedly suppressing free speech.
- An end to the state of emergency in Rivers State, viewed by the group as a form of military dictatorship under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
- Cessation of demolitions in Lagos communities such as Oworonshoki.
- The release of protesters arrested in various states, including Abuja, Yobe, Gombe, and Rivers.
Sanyaolu emphasized that this demonstration was a “warning action,” hinting at more extensive protests if the government failed to address their concerns.
He warned, “This is just a warning. When we return, we will shake not just Nigeria but the entire world.”
The protest was part of a broader nationwide movement, with similar demonstrations occurring in states like Oyo, Rivers, and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Reports indicated that in some locations, such as Rivers and Abuja, police dispersed protesters using tear gas.
