As Nigeria prepares to mark Democracy Day, the organisers of the June 12 protest, “Take It Back Movement, have announced the venues across the country where demonstrators will gather to protest against worsening economic conditions, rising insecurity, and the shrinking of civil freedoms under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The movement’s National Coordinator, Juwon Sanyaolu, disclosed on Monday that peaceful demonstrations would take place in over 20 locations nationwide.
“In Abuja, we will converge at Eagle Square by 8.00 am. In Lagos, there are four major venues — Badagry, Maryland, Agbara, and Toll Gate — and all gatherings will begin by 7.00 am,” Sanyaolu said in an interview.
He further listed venues in states including Ondo, Edo, Yobe, Niger, Borno, Osun, Oyo, Bauchi, Adamawa, and Delta.
“In Akure, we will gather at Cathedral Junction by 8.00 am, and in Benin City, it’s the Museum Ground by 9.00 am. Mokola Roundabout is the venue in Ibadan, Oyo State. In Delta, protesters will gather at locations such as Amukpe Roundabout in Sapele and Summit Junction in Asaba,” he said.
The protest, timed to coincide with June 12 Democracy Day, aims to draw national attention to what organisers describe as the federal government’s failure to uphold its primary responsibilities.
“Our demands have not changed. We are using June 12 to exercise our democratic rights as Nigerians to demand accountability and democratic governance,” said Sanyaolu.
Citing statistics from Amnesty International, he said over 10,000 lives have been lost to insecurity since President Tinubu assumed office.
“Over 133 million Nigerians are living in multidimensional poverty. In Benue State alone, more than 40,000 people have been displaced due to violence. In Plateau, that figure is 68,000,” he explained.
The protest, according to organisers, is not only a call for better economic policies and safety but also a response to increased suppression of dissent.
“Freedom of speech is under attack. Government critics and opposition voices are being silenced. This administration is shrinking the civic space and intimidating activists,” Sanyaolu said.
He also issued a caution to the security agencies ahead of the protest, insisting that they must not resort to violence or repression.
“To the security agencies, we want to state categorically that they must protect protesters, not repress them. It is a constitutional mandate and a lawful one,” he emphasized.
Sanyaolu reminded the authorities that the Supreme Court has upheld the right of citizens to protest, urging them to facilitate the exercise of this right rather than suppress it.
The *Take It Back Movement has also called on all Nigerians to participate in the protest in order to “reclaim the soul of the nation.”
“This protest is not just symbolic. It is a demand for justice, for accountability, and for the protection of democratic values. We urge citizens to come out en masse,” he concluded.
With tension already rising ahead of June 12, all eyes are now on how the federal and state governments will respond to the nationwide demonstrations.
