AHEAD of the June 12 Democracy Day, the #TakeItBackMovement has insisted on the nationwide protest scheduled for Thursday.
The organisers yesterday released a list of designated locations where demonstrators are expected to gather.
June 12 was adopted in 2018 by the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari as Nigeria’s Democracy Day in honour of the winner of the June 12, 1993, election, Moshood Abiola.
This year’s commemoration marks 26-year uninterrupted democratic rule in the country.
The organisers said the protest is against hardship, insecurity and a “shrinking civic space” under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The movement’s national coordinator, Juwon Sanyaolu, disclosed that demonstrations would take place in at least 20 states.
“In Abuja, protesters will assemble at Eagle Square by 8:00 a.m. In Lagos, there are four rally points: Badagry, Maryland, Agbara, and Toll Gate, all starting from 7:00 a.m.,” he said.
Other locations include; Cathedral Junction in Akure, Ondo State (8:00 a.m.); Museum Ground in Benin City, Edo State (9:00 a.m.); and Gida Matasa in Niger State (8:00 a.m.).
Protesters in Damaturu, Yobe State, he said, will gather at the Maiduguri Bypass Roundabout at 7:30 a.m., while in Ibadan, Oyo State, the rally will take place at Mokola Roundabout from 8:00 a.m.
In Bauchi, according to the group, the protest will be held opposite the Bauchi School of ACR at Yelewam Makaranta by 8:00 a.m. and in Osogbo, Osun State, at Olaiya Junction.
The organisers said the protest would be held in multiple locations in Delta State, including Amukpe Roundabout in Sapele, Summit Junction and Koka Junction in Asaba, Otovwodo Junction in Ughelli, PTI Junction, Effurun and DSC Roundabouts in Warri and Police Station Junction in Abraka.
Other venues include; Juppu Jam Road in Yola, Adamawa State (8:00 a.m.) and Kasuwan Gamboru Flyover in Borno State (8:00 a.m.).
Sanyaolu said the protest was scheduled for June 12 to coincide with Nigeria’s Democracy Day as a symbolic call for accountability and respect for democratic principles.
“Our demands remain consistent. June 12 represents an opportunity for Nigerians to peacefully demand good governance and accountability. The constitution clearly states that the welfare and security of the people are the primary duties of government—duties which this administration has failed to fulfill,” he said.
He cited a report by Amnesty International, which alleged that over 10,000 Nigerians had lost their lives to various security crises since President Tinubu assumed office.
“Over 133 million citizens are living in multidimensional poverty. Many have been forced out of their homes due to insecurity and forced evictions.
“In Benue alone, more than 40,000 people are displaced. Plateau State has over 68,000 displaced residents. This reflects the state of national welfare and security,” Sanyaolu added.
The Lagos, Ogun and Niger States’ Police Commands have intensified security to maintain peace ahead of Democracy Day.
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2 Police Command, Adegoke Fayoade, said the Commissioners of Police of both states had been directed to ensure adequate security before, during and after Thursday, which is the date slated for the Democracy Day celebration.
Fayoade, who spoke to Daily Trust via telephone, said he directed that personnel of the anti-riot and regular police be deployed to many vulnerable points in both states with particular emphasis directed at the Kara bridge area of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The AIG said there would be increased police presence at the Freedom Park in Ojota, Alausa, Surulere and Ikeja in Lagos as well as in Kuto, Gbara, Sango and Shagamu in Ogun State.
“The template is there. The Commissioners of Police in Lagos and Ogun States respectively know what to do.
Meanwhile, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has warned the Nigeria Police Force against using force on peaceful demonstrators.
In a statement issued by its national coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, the group expressed concern over reports that past peaceful protests across the country were violently disrupted by police operatives, often resulting in injuries and loss of life.
It called on the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to ensure his officers refrain from deploying lethal weapons against peaceful protesters, stressing that freedom of assembly is a constitutional right in a democratic society.
“Nigerians are preparing to participate in a nationwide peaceful protest on June 12 to demand good governance, accountability, an end to insecurity, police brutality, extrajudicial killings, and the worsening economic crisis,” the statement read.