ABUJA – The Take-It-Back (TIB) Movement, known for organizing the 2024 #EndBadGovernance protest, has announced plans for a nationwide demonstration on April 7, 2025, in opposition to the “state of emergency” in Rivers State and the alleged misuse of the Cybercrime Act to suppress free speech in Nigeria.
Supporters have been urged to gather at the National Assembly in Abuja, with additional protest locations to be announced soon.
Core Demands of the Protest
Speaking to PUNCH on Monday, Juwon Sanyaolu, the National Coordinator of TIB, stated that the primary demand of the protest is the repeal of the Cybercrime Act, which he claims has been weaponized against activists, journalists, and social media users.
“The issue revolves around how the Cybercrime Act is being used to suppress free speech. Journalists and activists are often the primary targets of both the act and the broader crackdown on dissent. This also affects social media users like SeaKing and others,” Sanyaolu said.
The movement is also demanding an end to the emergency rule in Rivers State, describing it as “military rule imposed by the government of President Bola Tinubu.” They are calling for a reversal of this decision and the full reinstatement of all suspended government institutions, including the State House of Assembly and the Executive.
Additionally, the protesters are voicing grievances over rising economic hardship, inflation, and insecurity across Nigeria.
Crackdown on Journalists and Activists
Over the past year, several journalists have reportedly faced harassment under the Cybercrime Act, including:
– Segun Olatunji– Former Editor of First News
– Daniel Ojukwu– Journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism
– Dayo Aiyetan – Executive Director of the International Centre for Investigative Reporting
– Nurudeen Akewushola – Investigative Journalist
The Nigerian government has faced increasing criticism over press freedom violations, with reports of arrests and intimidation of journalists covering sensitive political issues.
Public frustration has been mounting over economic hardship, with soaring inflation and a rising cost of living affecting millions of Nigerians. Protests over insecurity have also erupted in states like Enugu and Ondo, reflecting broader dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of national issues.
The Take-It-Back Movement says the April 7 protest is a call for better governance and respect for democratic freedoms. The group has promised to release further details on the protest locations in the coming days.
