The nationwide protest against economic hardship and insecurity, planned by the #TakeItBackMovement for June 12 Democracy Day, failed to materialize in most Nigerian states.
The movement had declared June 12 a “National Day of Resistance,” rejecting the official Democracy Day celebrations as empty symbolism.
However, most designated protest venues across the country, including in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Niger, Yobe, Bauchi, Edo, and Kano states, were deserted, with heavy security presence noted in many locations.
Reports suggest the organisers suspended the protest in several areas due to undisclosed security concerns.
In Kano, residents said they were unaware of any planned protest. “People are more focused on survival than politics,” said a local trader, Malam Ibrahim Musa.
In contrast, demonstrations occurred in Oyo and Osun states. In Ibadan, a coalition of civil society groups, labour activists, and students marched through Mokola-Adamasingba-Dugbe Road, demanding an end to hunger, economic hardship, and anti-poor policies.
Protesters also criticised the government’s IMF/World Bank-aligned reforms and called for democratic reforms and public control of refineries and the power sector.
A similar protest was held in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, led by the Osun Civil Societies Coalition.
The protest covered key locations including Ayetoro, Igbona Market, Dugbe, and the Governor’s Office.
The coordinator of #TakeItBackMovement in the state, Victor Lijofi, urged President Bola Tinubu to tackle poverty and economic suffering.
In Lagos, a confrontation played out between two opposing groups. The #Endbadgovernance Movement criticized President Tinubu’s economic policies, displaying placards condemning hardship.
Opposite them, a pro-Tinubu group, Team Nigeria, staged a celebration of Nigeria’s democratic progress, praising the president’s leadership.
While turnout was low nationwide, organisers and activists who participated accused the government of stifling democratic freedoms and failing to deliver on its “Renewed Hope” agenda.
(Daily Trust)
