The Take It Back Movement, organisers of the June 12 protest, have released a list of locations nationwide where Nigerians will gather to voice their opposition to the escalating economic hardships, insecurity, and what they describe as the shrinking civic space under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
In an interview with our correspondent on Monday, the National Coordinator of the movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, confirmed that the protest will take place at no fewer than 20 sites across the country.
“In Abuja, the protest will start at 8:00 am at Eagle Square. In Lagos, we will have four locations: Badagry, Maryland, Agbara, and Toll Gate, all beginning at 7:00 am,” Sanyaolu said.
“Other locations include Cathedral Junction in Akure, Ondo State, at 8:00 am, and the Museum Ground in Benin City, Edo State, at 9:00 am. In Niger State, we will gather at Gida Matasa at 8:00 am.
“In Yobe, the venue is the Maiduguri Bypass Roundabout in Damaturu at 7:30 am, while in Oyo State, it will be at Mokola Roundabout in Ibadan at 8:00 am.
“Bauchi will host the protest at 8:00 am opposite the Bauchi School of ACR, Yelewam Makaranta, and in Osun State, it will be at Olaiya Junction in Osogbo.”
The movement has also confirmed five locations in Delta State: Amukpe Roundabout in Sapele, Summit Junction and Koka Junction in Asaba, Otovwodo Junction in Ughelli, Effurun Roundabout and PTI Junction, as well as DSC Roundabout in Warri, and Police Station Junction in Abraka.
“In Adamawa, we will gather at Juppu Jam Road in Yola at 8:00 am, and in Borno State, it will be at Kasuwan Gamboru Flyover at 8:00 am,” Sanyaolu added.
He emphasised that the protest was scheduled to coincide with Nigeria’s Democracy Day to demand accountability and affirm Nigerians’ constitutional rights.
“Our demands remain unchanged. We are using June 12 to exercise our democratic rights, demanding accountability and democratic governance. The Constitution clearly states that the primary responsibility of the government is the security and welfare of the people. Unfortunately, this has completely failed under the Tinubu administration,” Sanyaolu said.
He cited Amnesty International’s report that over 10,000 Nigerians have lost their lives due to insecurity since Tinubu assumed office. “Over 133 million Nigerians live in multidimensional poverty, and thousands have been displaced due to forced evictions and insecurity. In Benue alone, over 40,000 people are displaced, while in Plateau, the figure is around 68,000. This is the current state of welfare and security in the country,” he added.
Sanyaolu also accused the government of undermining dissent and targeting opposition voices. “Under this administration, the civic space is under attack. Freedom of speech is under threat, as government critics and opposition voices are being silenced. These are the issues we intend to bring to the public’s attention by exercising our democratic rights.”
He warned security forces against any form of repression during the protests, stressing that the right to protest is guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution and has been upheld by the Supreme Court.
“To the security agencies, we want to make it clear: they must protect protesters, not repress them. It is a constitutional right and a lawful one. Nigerians have the right to protest, and during such actions, the police must ensure the safety of protesters and that their voices are heard,” Sanyaolu said.
He encouraged Nigerians to participate in the protests across various states and urged them to “reclaim the soul of the country” and hold the government accountable.
