Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force on Monday deployed tear gas canisters to break up a protest in the Maitama district of Abuja.
The protesters, who had gathered to voice their grievances over the state of the economy and the emergency rule in Rivers state, were thrown into chaos as tear gas filled the air, causing many to flee in different directions.
The demonstration was part of a larger nationwide action led by the Take It Back Movement (TIB), with Omoyele Sowore, the 2023 presidential candidate for the African Action Congress (AAC), at the forefront.
“We have informed the political authorities that we will not accept any laws that infringe on our fundamental human rights. We will continue to speak out,” Sowore stated.
He further explained, “The police are aware that we are marching today. They claim to have their own event, but we’ve made it clear that theirs cannot interfere with ours. We have also informed them that we are heading to the National Assembly. If they wish, they can mobilise and march alongside us.”
Sowore added, “In fact, we’ve told Nigerian police officers that the time has come for the people and the police to unite. Together, we can fight to improve both their living and working conditions. Nigerian police are among the most mistreated globally, yet they continue to harm those advocating for their welfare. We will not tolerate this any longer.”
While the protesters rallied, Sowore criticised President Bola Tinubu’s absence, claiming, “While we protest here, Tinubu is busy enjoying himself in France. We will not sit idly while the president continues to suppress our rights.”
Sowore also addressed the Inspector General of Police, stating, “We’ve made it clear that the current inspector general of police, who is leading the programme at Eagle Square today, holds the position unlawfully. He has overstayed his tenure after 16 years in power. This is one of the main reasons we are marching today. No one can suppress a powerful idea.”
The protest, which also occurred in Lagos and Port Harcourt, marks the beginning of a broader movement. Sowore concluded, “Very soon, all Nigerians will rise up, and no force will be able to hold them back.”
Juwon Sanyaolu, the national coordinator of TIB, outlined the group’s core demands, including the repeal of the cybercrime act and the cessation of emergency rule in Rivers state, which they described as a “form of military dictatorship under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.”
The Nigeria Police Force had urged the organisers to cancel the protest and encouraged them to engage in dialogue with relevant government authorities. The protest coincided with the National Police Day celebration on April 7.
