The Take It Back (TIB) movement has officially kicked off its nationwide protests, demanding action on two pressing issues: the controversial misuse of the Cybercrime Act and the recent declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State.
On Monday morning, protesters clad in their signature orange berets gathered at Ikeja Under Bridge in Lagos, where they kicked off the rally with chants and solidarity songs, calling for change.
The protests have spread to other cities, including Abuja and Rivers State, where demonstrators were met with tear gas by the police, adding to the growing tension.
A central point of contention for the protesters is the Cybercrime Act, which has faced heavy criticism for its “vague provisions.”
Activists argue that the law has been weaponized to target opposition figures, journalists, and citizens expressing dissenting opinions online.
Juwon Sanyaolu, the national coordinator of TIB, outlined the movement’s primary demands: the immediate repeal of the Cybercrime Act and the lifting of the emergency rule in Rivers State, which the group condemns as a form of “military dictatorship” under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The protests come amidst calls from the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) for organizers to reconsider their actions and engage in dialogue with relevant government bodies.
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In a dramatic twist, the demonstrations also coincide with the National Police Day celebrations on April 7, adding a layer of complexity to the already charged atmosphere.
The ongoing unrest in Rivers State stems from a state of emergency declared by President Tinubu on March 18, following a prolonged political crisis.
The declaration led to the suspension of Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State Assembly for an initial six-month period. In their place, Tinubu appointed retired naval chief Ibok-Ete Ibas as the state’s sole administrator.
As the protests continue to unfold across the country, the movement’s demands remain clear: a call for accountability and the restoration of democratic processes.
 movement has officially kicked off its nationwide protests, demanding action on two pressing issues: the controversial misuse of the Cybercrime Act and the recent declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State.){kind=link}