A wave of civil unrest is expected to sweep across Nigeria on June 12, as the Take It Back Movement announced widespread protests against worsening economic hardship, insecurity, and the shrinking of civic space under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
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According to The Punch, the movement’s National Coordinator, Juwon Sanyaolu, confirmed that protests will be held in at least 20 cities across the country.
The date, chosen to coincide with Nigeria’s Democracy Day, aims to amplify calls for accountability, good governance, and protection of constitutional rights.
“In Abuja, we will converge at Eagle Square by 8.00 am. In Lagos, there are four locations: Badagry, Maryland, Agbara, and Toll Gate—all starting by 7 am,” Sanyaolu said. Other key venues include Cathedral Junction in Akure, Museum Ground in Benin, and Mokola Roundabout in Ibadan.
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Sanyaolu emphasized that Nigerians are being forced into action due to dire circumstances. “Over 133 million people are multidimensionally poor. We are protesting to demand what the Constitution guarantees—security and welfare,” he declared.
In states like Borno, Yobe, Edo, Delta, and Adamawa, citizens are expected to rally at locations such as Kasuwan Gamboru Flyover in Maiduguri, Olaiya Junction in Osogbo, and Juppu Jam Road in Yola. In total, over 25 protest venues have been confirmed nationwide.
The movement accused the Tinubu-led government of presiding over systemic failure. “The civic space is shrinking. Government critics are being hounded. Freedom of speech is under severe threat,” Sanyaolu warned.
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He cited a report by Amnesty International stating that over 10,000 Nigerians have lost their lives to insecurity since Tinubu took office. In Benue and Plateau states, over 100,000 people have been displaced due to violence and evictions.
He further urged law enforcement agencies to protect—rather than suppress—peaceful demonstrators. “Our rights to protest are enshrined in the Constitution and upheld by the Supreme Court. Police must ensure the safety of protesters,” he asserted.
With rising inflation, food scarcity, and continuous kidnappings haunting everyday Nigerians, the June 12 protest is shaping up to be a powerful statement of discontent against the current regime.
Sanyaolu concluded by calling on Nigerians across all states to “reclaim the soul of the nation” and make their voices heard.
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