On Monday, concerned Nigerians gathered in one of the prominent spots in Ikeja “under the Ikeja Bridge” This is as part of a nationwide protest organized by the Take-It-Back Movement and other civil society groups.
The demonstration, which kicked off earlier in the day, highlighted growing frustrations around economic hardship, misuse of the Cybercrime Act, and the tense political situation in Rivers State, which protesters described as a “state of emergency.”
Carrying placards with bold messages like “Any law that forbids us from speaking against oppression in Nigeria is no longer a law but shackles of slavery” and “When law becomes a tool of oppression, unite to repeal it,” protesters voiced their disapproval of what they see as shrinking civic space and increasing government overreach.
Juwon Sanyaolu, National Coordinator of the Take-It-Back Movement, had earlier stated that the protest was a direct response to the growing authoritarian tone of the current administration, rising inflation, and the everyday struggles of Nigerians. He emphasized the need for immediate policy changes and stronger protections for the rights and voices of citizens.
The protest in Ikeja forms part of a broader movement happening across different cities, with demonstrators demanding not just relief from economic pressure, but also greater accountability, transparency, and respect for civil liberties.
