The Take It Back Movement has called for a nationwide protest on June 12, 2025, Nigeria’s Democracy Day, to address worsening economic hardship, insecurity, and what it describes as oppressive governance under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The group is mobilizing citizens to demand accountability, better living conditions, and economic reforms, urging Nigerians to “reclaim the soul of the country.”
In a statement, the movement expressed outrage over soaring costs and stagnant wages. “Fuel subsidy is gone. Power tariffs are up. Prices are up. Wages are stagnant. Let’s take our anger to the streets,” the statement read. “Petrol is ₦900, the dollar is ₦1,500, and food is unaffordable. How are we surviving? It’s time to fight back.”
Juwon Sanyaolu, the National Coordinator of the movement, highlighted the dire state of security and welfare, citing an Amnesty International report that over 10,000 Nigerians have died due to insecurity since Tinubu assumed office.
“Over 133 million Nigerians are multidimensionally poor. Thousands have been displaced from their homes due to forced evictions and insecurity,” Sanyaolu said in an interview.
“In Benue State alone, over 40,000 people are displaced, while in Plateau, the figure is about 68,000.”
The group also accused the government of stifling dissent. “Under this administration, the civic space is under attack. Freedom of speech is under threat as government critics and opposition voices are being hounded,” Sanyaolu added, emphasizing that the protest aims to reaffirm Nigerians’ constitutional rights.
The movement urged citizens to reject a system that normalizes hardship. “Enough is enough. Insecurity, poverty, and oppression cannot be normalised. Be part of this nationwide call for change. Hardship is not normal. Suffering is not destiny,” the group declared.
Sanyaolu warned security agencies against repressing protesters, noting that the right to protest is constitutionally protected.
“To the security agencies, we want to state categorically that they must protect protesters, not repress them. Nigerians have the right to protest, and the police must ensure protesters are safe,” he said.
The protest is expected to draw large crowds across multiple cities, with the movement announcing convergence points nationwide:
Abuja: Eagle Square, 8:00 a.m.
Lagos: Agbara, Badagry, Maryland, and Toll Gate, 7:00 a.m.
Rivers: University of Port Harcourt Main Gate, 9:00 a.m.
Delta: Amukpe Roundabout (Sapele); Summit Junction and Koka Junction (Asaba); Otovwodo Junction (Ughelli); Effurun Roundabout, PTI Junction, and DSC Roundabout (Warri); Police Station Junction (Abraka), 8:00 a.m.
Edo: Museum Ground (Benin City), 8:00 a.m.; Jattu Junction (Auchi), 9:00 a.m.
Niger: Gidan Matasa, Bosso Locust, 8:00 a.m.
Ondo: Cathedral Junction, Akure, 8:00 a.m.
Yobe: Maiduguri Bypass Roundabout, Damaturu, 7:30 a.m.
Bauchi: Opposite Bauchi School of Agriculture, Yelwan Makaranta, 8:00 a.m.
Oyo: Mokola Roundabout, Ibadan, 8:00 a.m.
Borno: Kasuwan Gamboru Flyover, 7:15 a.m.
Adamawa: Juppu Jam Road, Yola, 8:00 a.m.
Osun: Olaiya Junction, opposite NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel, Osogbo, 8:00 a.m.
Kwara: Under Post Office Bridge, Ilorin, 9:00 a.m.
Kano: Kwanar Freedom, near Kwanar Kasuwa, Sharada Phase 1, 7:00 a.m.
“We are using June 12 to demand accountability and democratic governance,” Sanyaolu stated. “This country must work for the many, not the few.”
The Take It Back Movement has called on Nigerians to join the protest en masse to push for systemic change and hold leaders accountable.
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