Ahead of Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, the Take It Back Movement has announced a nationwide series of protests to voice concerns over the country’s current challenges. The movement urges Nigerians to hit the streets to protest against persistent economic hardship, insecurity, and the perceived erosion of civil liberties under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Naija News reports that protests are scheduled to take place in at least 20 locations across Nigeria’s North, South, East, and West regions. The National Coordinator of the movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, shared details with Punch, revealing that the rallies will begin early in the morning at various prominent venues.

In Abuja, demonstrators will gather at Eagle Square from 8:00 am. In Lagos, four sites have been designated: Badagry, Maryland, Agbara, and Toll Gate, all starting at 7:00 am. Other locations across the country include Cathedral Junction in Akure, Ondo State (8 am), Museum Ground in Benin City (9 am), and Gida Matasa in Niger State (8 am).

In Delta State, protest venues include Amukpe Roundabout in Sapele, Summit Junction and Koka Junction in Asaba, Otovwodo Junction in Ughelli, and Effurun Roundabout, PTI Junction, and DSC Roundabout in Warri. Additional confirmed sites are Mokola Roundabout in Ibadan, Borno’s Kasuwan Gamboru Flyover, Olaiya Junction in Osogbo, Juppu Jam Road in Yola, and the Maiduguri Bypass Roundabout in Damaturu, Yobe State.

Sanyaolu emphasised that these protests are a call for accountability and a reaffirmation of citizens’ rights. “We are using June 12 as a day to exercise our democratic rights. The Constitution clearly states that the government’s primary duty is the security and welfare of the people. That has failed under Tinubu,” he said.

Highlighting alarming reports, Sanyaolu mentioned that over 10,000 Nigerians have lost their lives due to insecurity since Tinubu assumed office, citing a report by Amnesty International. He also pointed out that over 40,000 internally displaced persons are in Benue State, and approximately 68,000 in Plateau State. “Nigerians are suffering, and the government appears indifferent,” he added.

The movement also accused the government of suppressing free speech and silencing opposition voices. “Under this administration, the civic space is under attack. Critics are being hounded. We want to raise awareness and push back against this trend,” Sanyaolu remarked.

He issued a warning to security agencies, urging them to prioritise protecting protesters over repression. “The right to protest is enshrined in our Constitution and upheld by the Supreme Court. The police have to safeguard protesters and ensure their safety,” he emphasised.

Finally, Sanyaolu called on Nigerians to stand united and “reclaim the soul of the country” by taking a firm stance against bad governance, advocating for a more accountable and responsive leadership.