The Take-It-Back (TIB) Movement, known for organizing the 2024 #EndBadGovernance protests, has announced a nationwide demonstration against the “state of emergency” in Rivers State and the alleged misuse of the Cybercrime Act to suppress activists, journalists, and social media influencers.
The protest, set for April 7, 2025, has been described as a “Nationwide Protest Against Bad Governance and Free Speech Suppression.”
Supporters are expected to gather at the National Assembly in Abuja, while other locations will be announced soon.
Juwon Sanyaolu, the National Coordinator of TIB, stated in an interview with PUNCH that the primary demand is the repeal of the Cybercrime Act, which he claims is being weaponized to silence free speech.
“The issue revolves around how the Cybercrime Act is used to target journalists, activists, and even social media users like SeaKing,” Sanyaolu explained.
In addition to demanding the repeal of the act, the movement is also calling for an end to what they describe as “military rule imposed by the government of President Bola Tinubu” in Rivers State.
They want the full reinstatement of all suspended government institutions, including the State House of Assembly and the Executive.
Sanyaolu further criticized Tinubu’s policies, stating that they have caused significant hardship for Nigerians.
“Most importantly, we are demanding an end to bad governance,” he said.
Over the past year, several journalists have faced harassment from state actors, including Segun Olatunji, former editor of First News; Daniel Ojukwu of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism; Dayo Aiyetan, Executive Director of the International Centre for Investigative Repotting; and investigative journalist Nurudeen Akewushola.
The suspension of the Rivers State governor and elected representatives has drawn criticism from various stakeholders, with many calling for caution.
Meanwhile, Nigerians continue to grapple with economic difficulties, including a rising cost of living and soaring inflation.
The country has also witnessed increasing protests against insecurity, with notable demonstrations in Enugu and Ondo States.
The Take-It-Back Movement has promised to release more details on additional protest locations in the coming days.
