The Take It Back Movement has reaffirmed its plan to hold a nationwide protest against economic hardship and hunger on August 1, 2024, despite ongoing disputes over the use of Eagle Square in Abuja as the primary venue.
Mobilization Director of the Take It Back Movement, Damilare Adenola, asserted on Channels TV’s Sunday Politics that the group had formally requested permission from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, to use the venue.
He said, “We are going to be at the Eagle Square on August 1st. The truth is that the Eagle Square is a public property.
“When I saw the video of the minister, I was amazed because I saw the minister asking us to pay rent, pay security fees and all that.
“My question to the minister is this: how does the minister expect a greater population of Nigerian youths who are impoverished, who have no jobs to afford what he is expecting us to pay?”
Adenola claimed the request was made through a letter dated July 26, 2024, which was also published on social media.
Adenola said, “It is possible that the receipt of the letter is being delayed by most likely bureaucracy in government or the minister is likely being insincere about receiving the letter.
“If he (Wike) insists that he hasn’t received it, the alternative is that he was served by publication because many Nigerian ministries streamline what to receive or not.
“If he says he didn’t get it physically, then we could as well say that he was served by publication.”
However, Wike has stated that he had not received the request as of Saturday.
Wike criticised the movement for applying via social media, emphasizing that formal procedures must be followed, including payment for security costs and facility usage.
Wike also noted that other groups had already secured the venue, stressing that requests are handled on a first-come, first-served basis.
In response, Adenola suggested that bureaucratic delays might be responsible for the letter’s non-receipt and questioned the fairness of Wike’s demands given the economic challenges faced by many Nigerians.
Adenola maintained that the protest will proceed at Eagle Square on August 1 regardless of the approval status.
The protests, organized in response to governance issues and rising living costs, have garnered significant public interest and concern.
After the call for protests began to gain ground, the Federal Government, governors and the security establishment have been trying to dissuade organisers from going ahead with the protest.
On Wednesday, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) held a meeting in Abuja, starting Wednesday night and ending early Thursday.
Meanwhile, security concerns surrounding the protests have prompted travel advisories from the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada.
Each country warned its citizens to avoid potential trouble spots, citing risks of violence and disruption.
The UK advisory says, “Political rallies, protests, and violent demonstrations can take place with little notice. Get advice on areas to avoid.
“Take care if you’re visiting crowded public places or attending events which attract large crowds. If you see a threatening or intimidating situation, do not try to make your way through it. Turn around and move to safety”.
The US Mission in Abuja advised Americans to steer clear of rallies and stay informed via local media, while the UK High Commission and Canadian government similarly cautioned their nationals to exercise caution and monitor local developments closely.
