Group Announces Nationwide Protest Against State of Emergency in Rivers and Free Speech Suppression

The Take-It-Back (TIB) movement has announced a nationwide protest against what it describes as the “state of emergency” imposed on Rivers State and the alleged misuse of the Cybercrime Act to suppress free speech. The demonstration is set to take place on April 7, 2025, with protesters expected to gather at the National Assembly in Abuja and other locations across the country.

Juwon Sanyaolu, the National Coordinator of TIB, stated that the movement’s primary demand is the repeal of the Cybercrime Act, which he claims is being used to silence journalists, activists, and social media users. He cited cases of harassment against journalists, including Segun Olatunji, Daniel Ojukwu, Dayo Aiyetan, and Nurudeen Akewushola, as evidence of the government’s crackdown on press freedom.

Beyond the issue of free speech, TIB is also demanding an end to what it calls “military rule imposed by President Bola Tinubu” in Rivers State. The group is calling for the reinstatement of all suspended government bodies, including the State House of Assembly and the Executive.

Sanyaolu emphasized that the protest is not limited to Abuja, with additional locations to be announced soon. He also criticized the government’s policies, stating that they have led to widespread economic hardship, rising costs of living, and inflation. Protests against insecurity have already taken place in states like Enugu and Ondo, reflecting growing dissatisfaction among Nigerians.

The suspension of the governor and elected representatives in Rivers State has drawn criticism from various stakeholders, who have called for caution in handling the situation. With tensions rising, the April 7 protest is expected to be a major demonstration against governance issues in Nigeria.