In preparation for Nigeria’s Democracy Day, Take It Back Movement has unveiled a comprehensive list of protest venues across the country as part of its June 12 national demonstration against economic hardship, insecurity, and the perceived erosion of civil liberties under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The group’s National Coordinator, Juwon Sanyaolu, disclosed the protest details during an interview with Hobnob News on Monday, affirming that the protests will take place in at least 20 strategic locations nationwide.
“This protest is not just symbolic; it is a direct response to growing poverty, insecurity, and shrinking civic space. We are coming out to defend our constitutional rights and demand better governance,” Sanyaolu stated.
Confirmed Protest Locations and Times:
Abuja: Eagle Square – 8:00 AM
Lagos: Badagry, Maryland, Agbara, and Toll Gate – 7:00 AM
Akure, Ondo State: Cathedral Junction – 8:00 AM
Benin City, Edo State: Museum Ground – 9:00 AM
Niger State: Gida Matasa – 8:00 AM
Yobe: Maiduguri Bypass Roundabout, Damaturu – 7:30 AM
Ibadan, Oyo State: Mokola Roundabout – 8:00 AM
Bauchi: Opp. Bauchi School of ACR, Yelewam Makaranta – 8:00 AM
Osogbo, Osun State: Olaiya Junction – 8:00 AM
Delta State:
Sapele: Amukpe Roundabout
Asaba: Summit Junction, Koka Junction
Ughelli: Otovwodo Junction
Warri: PTI Junction, DSC Roundabout
Abraka: Police Station Junction
Adamawa: Juppu Jam Road, Yola – 8:00 AM
Borno State: Kasuwan Gamboru Flyover – 8:00 AM
Sanyaolu emphasized that the protests aim to hold public officials accountable and highlight the failures of governance, particularly in areas of security and economic welfare.
“Over 133 million Nigerians are currently living in multidimensional poverty. Amnesty International reports more than 10,000 lives have been lost to insecurity since President Tinubu assumed office. These are not just statistics — they are Nigerian lives,” he lamented.
He also referenced the displacement crisis, noting that over 40,000 people have been displaced in Benue, with another 68,000 in Plateau State, citing these as examples of Nigeria’s failing welfare system.
Sanyaolu further accused the federal government of suppressing dissent, warning that citizens’ freedom of speech and assembly are under siege.
“This administration has consistently attacked the civic space. Critics are being harassed, and opposition voices are intimidated. That’s why this protest is necessary — to reclaim our voice,” he said.
Protesters Warn Security Forces: “Protect, Don’t Suppress”
The movement also issued a stern caution to security agencies, urging them to uphold their constitutional duty during the protests.
“The right to peaceful assembly is guaranteed under the Nigerian Constitution and upheld by the Supreme Court. Security agencies must protect protesters, not repress them,” Sanyaolu insisted.
He called on Nigerians from all walks of life to join the protest, urging them to “reclaim the soul of the nation” and stand up for democratic values.
As the nation marks June 12, a date symbolic of Nigeria’s fight for democracy, the upcoming protests could become a defining moment in the country’s civic engagement landscape.
