By Akonasu Gbedozin The Take It Back Movement, organizers of the upcoming June 12 protest, have unveiled a list of over 20 locations across...
By Akonasu Gbedozin
The Take It Back Movement, organizers of the upcoming June 12 protest, have unveiled a list of over 20 locations across Nigeria where citizens will gather to voice their frustrations over the country’s worsening economic situation, rising insecurity, and what they describe as a shrinking civic space under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking with our correspondent on Monday, the National Coordinator of the movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, said the demonstrations are scheduled to hold simultaneously in various cities nationwide, beginning in the early hours of Wednesday, June 12—Nigeria’s Democracy Day.
“In Abuja, protesters will gather at Eagle Square by 8:00 am. In Lagos State, we have four convergence points: Badagry, Maryland, Agbara, and Toll Gate—each starting at 7:00 am,” Sanyaolu announced.
Other protest venues include:
Akure, Ondo State – Cathedral Junction by 8:00 am
Benin City, Edo State – Museum Ground by 9:00 am
Niger State – Gida Matasa, 8:00 am
Yobe State – Maiduguri Bypass Roundabout in Damaturu, 7:30 am
Oyo State – Mokola Roundabout in Ibadan, 8:00 am
Bauchi State – Opposite Bauchi School of ACR, Yelewam Makaranta, 8:00 am
Osun State – Olaiya Junction, Osogbo
Delta State will see demonstrations at multiple locations including Amukpe Roundabout (Sapele), Summit and Koka Junctions (Asaba), Otovwodo Junction (Ughelli), PTI and DSC Roundabouts (Warri), and Police Station Junction (Abraka).
Additional protest sites include Juppu Jam Road in Yola (Adamawa State) and Kasuwan Gamboru Flyover in Maiduguri (Borno State), both by 8:00 am.
Sanyaolu stressed that June 12 is being used to highlight growing dissatisfaction with governance and to remind the public—and the government—of Nigerians’ constitutional rights.
“Our demands are not new,” he said. “We’re using June 12 to peacefully demand accountability and to exercise our democratic rights. The Nigerian Constitution clearly states that the security and welfare of the people is the primary purpose of government. Unfortunately, the Tinubu administration has failed in this regard.”
He referenced a report by Amnesty International which noted that over 10,000 Nigerians have been killed due to insecurity since President Tinubu took office. “Over 133 million people are living in multidimensional poverty,” he added. “In Benue alone, over 40,000 people have been displaced, while in Plateau, the number is about 68,000. These are clear indicators of a failed social contract.”
Sanyaolu also raised concerns over what he described as the government's suppression of dissent. “The civic space is under serious threat. Freedom of speech is being curtailed. Critics and opposition voices are increasingly being harassed or silenced.”
He issued a stern warning to security agencies, urging them to respect the constitutional rights of protesters and refrain from any form of intimidation or violence.
“To the police and other security forces, we say this: your duty is to protect, not to repress. Protesting is a legal and constitutional right, and the Supreme Court has upheld this. It is your responsibility to ensure demonstrators are safe and their voices are heard.”
He concluded by calling on Nigerians across all states to join the protest and “reclaim the soul of the country.”
“This is about our future. It’s about justice. It’s about demanding the kind of leadership Nigerians deserve,” Sanyaolu said.
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