In defiance of a police warning, young demonstrators under the banner of the Take-It-Back movement on Monday took to the streets in several states, including Abuja, Lagos, Oyo, and Rivers, demanding attention to various national issues. The protesters, mostly youths, staged their rallies despite the Nigeria Police Force’s efforts to discourage the demonstrations.
The protest began in Lagos, with protesters gathering at the Ikeja Under Bridge. Clad in the movement’s signature orange berets, the demonstrators marched through major roads in Lagos, chanting solidarity songs as they made their way through the city. The protesters were closely monitored by police officers who had been deployed to maintain order. Despite the police presence, the protest was largely peaceful, with no immediate reports of violence or clashes.
Earlier, the Nigeria Police Force had warned the *Take-It-Back* movement to cancel its planned nationwide protests, calling the action “ill-conceived and mischievous.” The police expressed concern over the timing of the protest, which coincided with Nigeria’s National Police Day celebrations. However, the protestors remained undeterred, and the demonstration unfolded as scheduled.
Omoyele Sowore, the prominent activist and former presidential candidate behind the Take-It-Back movement, quickly responded to the police’s warning. In a public statement, Sowore rejected the claims made by the police, insisting that the protests were not intended to disrupt the National Police Day event. He emphasized that the protest was aimed at addressing pressing national concerns, not at any specific group or institution.
“The protest is about the people and the need for a better Nigeria. We are speaking for the masses who are suffering from high unemployment, poor governance, and the rising cost of living,” Sowore said. “We will not be intimidated by threats. We are committed to ensuring that the voices of Nigerians are heard.”
The Take-It-Back movement has a history of organizing protests across Nigeria, advocating for various causes, including better governance, economic reform, and social justice. The protests are often symbolic, focusing on raising awareness rather than making specific demands from the government. However, the movement has drawn attention to critical issues such as the state of Nigeria’s economy, widespread insecurity, and the recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
In Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, members of the Take-It-Back movement also staged their own peaceful demonstration. The protest in Ibadan was similarly calm, with security operatives deployed to ensure that the rally did not escalate into violence. Local authorities, while monitoring the protests, made efforts to allow the demonstrators to express their grievances without interference, as long as public order was maintained.
The protests have sparked debate across the country. Supporters of the Take-It-Back movement argue that such demonstrations are necessary to hold the government accountable and demand better leadership. Many Nigerians, especially youths, have expressed frustration over the state of the economy, high levels of unemployment, and perceived mismanagement of the country’s resources. Critics of the movement, however, argue that these protests are disruptive and create unnecessary tension, especially during a time when the nation is celebrating its police force.
The Take-It-Back movement was founded by Omoyele Sowore, a former presidential candidate who ran in Nigeria’s 2019 elections under the Action Alliance party. Sowore has been an outspoken critic of the Nigerian government, particularly its handling of the economy, corruption, and security issues. His activism and willingness to challenge the status quo have earned him both admiration and criticism in equal measure.
The movement’s name, Take-It-Back, represents its call for Nigerians to reclaim their country from bad leadership and poor governance. While it has not always had specific demands, the movement has been consistent in highlighting key issues affecting ordinary Nigerians, such as poverty, unemployment, and the lack of basic infrastructure. The *Take-It-Back* rallies have attracted widespread attention, especially among the youth, many of whom are frustrated with the lack of job opportunities and the rising cost of living.
The protests on Monday also coincided with growing concerns over Nigeria’s economic situation. In recent months, inflation has surged, and many Nigerians are struggling to meet basic needs. The country’s unemployment rate has reached record highs, with millions of young people finding it difficult to secure jobs. Public dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of these issues has fueled protests across the country, with the *Take-It-Back* movement emerging as one of the leading voices of dissent.
In Rivers State, the state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu has also been a point of contention. The declaration, made earlier this year in response to escalating violence in the state, has sparked debates about the balance between security and personal freedoms. The Take-It-Back movement has called for greater transparency in the government’s approach to security and for the protection of citizens’ rights.
Despite the police’s warning, the Take-It-Back movement has emphasized its commitment to peaceful protest. Sowore has stated that the movement’s actions are intended to be a peaceful call for change and that demonstrators will not resort to violence. In recent years, Nigerian protests have been marked by large, vocal crowds demanding action on various issues. From the #EndSARS protests in 2020, which called for an end to police brutality, to the ongoing calls for better governance, Nigerians have increasingly used protests as a platform to demand accountability from their leaders.
The police’s response to the protests in Lagos, Ibadan, and other cities highlights the ongoing tension between authorities and activist groups. While the police have often been criticized for their heavy-handed tactics in dealing with protesters, Monday’s demonstrations have been relatively calm. Both sides have expressed the need for dialogue, but it remains unclear whether the government will engage with the *Take-It-Back* movement on the issues it raises.
As the protests continue to unfold, the Take-It-Back movement’s actions will likely serve as a barometer for public sentiment across the country. With Nigeria facing numerous challenges, from economic hardship to rising insecurity, the movement’s message is resonating with many Nigerians who feel that their voices are not being heard by those in power.
