Peaceful demonstrators from the Take It Back Movement were dispersed with tear gas by police in Abuja on Monday during a protest against government policies.
Protesters had been marching through Federal Capital Territory streets carrying placards with messages including “Stop the Repression” and “Let Us Breathe” when security forces intervened. The demonstration had been organised to protest what movement leaders described as “authoritarianism” under President Bola Tinubu’s administration and to demand action on inflation and insecurity.
The Nigeria Police Force had earlier declared the protest “ill-timed” in a statement released Sunday by Force Public Relations Officer Muyiwa Adejobi. Police objected to the protest being scheduled on April 7, which the government had designated as National Police Day, featuring celebrations with international dignitaries, including foreign police officials.
“While not against the exercise of citizens right to peaceful assembly and association in Nigeria as enshrined in the Constitution, the Nigeria Police Force is deeply concerned about the motive behind such protest scheduled on the same day the contributions of the Nigeria Police Force to national security is to be celebrated, putting into consideration that such glamorous event would bring together dignitaries from all spheres of life both internationally and within the country, including Foreign Inspector-Generals of Police and Diplomats,” the police statement read.
It further said, “The rationale behind staging a nationwide protest on the same day is questionable and perceived to be a deliberate attempt and unpatriotic act capable of rubbishing and maligning the image of the Nigeria Police and the nation,” the police statement read.
Movement National Coordinator Juwon Sanyaolu had announced the protest plans on Friday, stating it would address economic hardships and democratic concerns under the current administration.
Meanwhile, the ‘Take It Back Movement’ protesters in Rivers State, who gathered at the Isaac Boro Park in Port Harcourt, were greeted by heavy police presence at the protest venue as early as 9 am. Officers of the Rivers State Police Command on Monday morning fired teargas at protesters.
“Nobody can tell us where not to gather, we are Rivers people,” the young demonstrators told the policemen who warned them not to hold the protest.
According to Channels Television, policemen gave the protesters a hot chase and beat up some of them, including journalists who were reporting the event.
One of AkweyaTV’s journalists on the scene, Hope Williams, said that one of the protest leaders in Abuja, Rex Elanu, confirmed that two protesters, a lady known as Bosede and a guy popularly known as “Abuja Flag Boy,” were arrested, noting that the police targeted participants as the protest gained momentum.
Similar protests have begun in Lagos, Oyo and other states of the Federation, with demonstrators demanding good governance.
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