Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore joined supporters of the #TakeItBack Movement in protests across Abuja, Lagos, and several other Nigerian cities, as demonstrators voiced concerns over rising economic hardship, insecurity, inflation, and what organizers described as political repression under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The demonstrations, held under the theme Festival of the Oppressed, attracted protesters calling on the federal government to take urgent steps to address the country’s economic and security challenges.
In Lagos, protesters gathered in the Maryland area, chanting solidarity songs and slogans, including calls for “Revolution,” before security personnel dispersed the gathering. According to reports, security operatives deployed tear gas to break up the demonstration.
The #TakeItBack Movement outlined several key demands, including:
- Rescue of Nigerians abducted by bandits and kidnappers.
- Introduction of a ₦500,000 national minimum wage.
- Withdrawal of charges against Omoyele Sowore and other activists.
- Stronger government response to reported xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.
At the Abuja protest, Sowore addressed supporters carrying placards with messages such as “Nigeria is bleeding,” “Rescue our people now,” “Free all political prisoners,” and “No to xenophobia.
Speaking to journalists, Sowore said the demonstration was intended to remind Nigerians of the need for sustained civic action and repeated his call for political change.
He also urged the government to release Nnamdi Kanu, discontinue criminal cases against activists facing cybercrime and treason-related charges, and improve governance in response to citizens’ concerns.
Sowore stated that similar demonstrations were taking place in cities including Lagos, Ibadan, and Port Harcourt, adding that the movement planned additional activities in the coming weeks.
The Head of Legal Aid for the #TakeItBack Movement, Bolaji Oluwatosin, criticized security agencies for disrupting the peaceful protest, arguing that citizens have a constitutional right to demonstrate.
In a separate development, a coalition of civil society organizations held a rally in Abuja, urging the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate and arrest Sowore over what it described as alleged threats to Nigeria’s national security.
The event was organized by the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations for Good Governance in Nigeria.
Speaking during the rally, Collins Eshiofeh, National Chairman of Nigeria Citizens Watch for Good Governance, praised President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and commended the administration for approving a new national minimum wage.
The coalition also expressed confidence in the leadership of the DSS, saying the agency had strengthened efforts against terrorism, banditry, and other security threats.
The coalition alleged that Sowore’s activities posed a threat to national security and claimed he had links to external interests seeking to destabilize Nigeria.
However, no public evidence was presented during the rally to support those allegations, and the claims remain unverified.
The development highlights the growing political divide over nationwide protests, as supporters describe the demonstrations as a legitimate expression of public frustration, while critics argue that some protest activities could threaten public order.
