As Nigerians brace for a planned protest by the Take-It-Back Movement and other civil society groups today, many are raising questions about the growing government response to the planned demonstration, which is primarily aimed at highlighting the increasing economic hardship under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
The protest, scheduled for today, has seen significant mobilization from citizens and activists who are calling attention to what they describe as the worsening economic situation, high inflation, and unemployment rates, which they claim are making life unbearable for many Nigerians. The demonstrators, including members of the Take-It-Back Movement, are also demanding government action to alleviate these burdens and address the rising cost of living.
However, the Nigeria Police Force has already deployed personnel across key locations where the protest is expected to take place. In addition to the physical presence of security personnel, reports have emerged that the police are issuing stern warnings to protesters, urging them not to proceed with the demonstration. The police have expressed concern over maintaining law and order, with some warning that anyone participating in the protest could face serious consequences.
The heavy-handed approach to the protest has drawn sharp criticism from many Nigerians, particularly on social media, where people are calling out the hypocrisy of the current government. Many are pointing out that President Tinubu himself led large-scale protests during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, a time when demonstrators took to the streets to protest issues such as fuel subsidy removals and economic inequality.
“Tinubu led and participated in several major protests against Jonathan’s government, and now, the very same tactics he used to raise his voice against injustice are being silenced by his own government. Where is the freedom of speech?” one Nigerian commented on Twitter.
Others have highlighted the stark contrast between how protests were handled during Jonathan's presidency compared to the current situation under Tinubu. "No one threatened him or his hired protesters when he was leading protests against Jonathan. Now, Nigerians are being threatened just for speaking out against hardship under his own rule. This is the height of irony," another user remarked.
Despite the police threats, some of the protesters have vowed to go ahead with their plans, stressing the importance of standing up for their rights and speaking out against what they perceive as failed leadership. "We will not be intimidated. We are protesting for a better Nigeria, and nothing will stop us from raising our voices," said a prominent activist involved in the demonstration.
The protest is expected to highlight widespread grievances, including soaring food prices, high fuel costs, and a lack of opportunities for young Nigerians. Many are calling for immediate government intervention to reduce the hardship and restore hope for the future.
As the protest unfolds, the tension between the authorities and citizens continues to grow. The government’s response to the demonstration will be closely monitored by both local and international observers, with many questioning whether the heavy-handed approach to policing will spark further unrest or lead to a crackdown on civil liberties.
With the eyes of the nation on this critical moment, the question remains: will the voice of the people be heard, or will the crackdown on protests further alienate Nigerians seeking change under President Tinubu's administration?
