Members of the Take-It-Back Movement in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, have reaffirmed their commitment to taking to the streets in October in a demonstration against bad governance, hardship, and hunger.
The group warns against the use of thugs and government agents to disrupt peaceful protests, emphasizing their determination to remain undaunted in the face of potential challenges.
This was made known in a statement signed by Amanyie King, the Take It Back Coordinator for Rivers State; Andy Akpotive, TIB State Publicity Secretary; Leerabari Famaa, the National Democratic Coalition (NDC), Rivers State chapter. They emphasized the need for immediate action to alleviate the suffering of the Nigerian people, and highlights the growing frustration with the current administration’s handling of these critical issues.
The statement reads, “The objective of this demonstration is to bring to the forefront the hardships inflicted on the populace due to the unjustified increase in the pump price of petroleum products under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
“We hereby issue a formal call to all indigenes and residents of Rivers State to join this peaceful demonstration in large numbers, without fear or intimidation. This is an opportunity for the citizenry to exercise their constitutional right to protest, thereby expressing legitimate grievances against policies detrimental to the well being of the people.
“It is our firm demand that the pump price of petrol be reduced to no more than 400 Naira per litre. The current pricing is economically untenable and oppressive to the Nigerian people. The government must explore alternative measures, even at a temporary loss, while compensating through the numerous derivatives from crude oil products.
“We further demand a substantial reduction in school fees across all levels of education. The unbearable cost of education has placed an unfair burden on families, making quality education inaccessible to many. This demand is non-negotiable.
“This protest will be peaceful, as clearly denoted by its purpose and nature. We are exercising our lawful right to assemble, and our movement remains committed to ensuring that this demonstration occurs ni a civil and non-violent manner. We unequivocally state that we shall not be deterred or cowed by any form of intimidation. As citizens of Nigeria, we reject any attempt to treat us as subjects or a conquered people. We stand on our inalienable rights to demand better governance and accountability from those who hold public office.
“This movement is driven by the desire to compel the government to heed the voice of the people. The administration must abandon its arrogant stance and attend to the dire needs of the citizenry, as governance must serve the interests of the people.
“To the Rivers State Government, we issue a stern warning: any attempt to deploy thugs, miscreants, or agents provocateurs to disrupt this peaceful protest wil constitute a direct threat to public order. Any act of provocation wil be met with lawful resistance, as we are prepared to uphold our rights through al legal and civil means.
“We call on all Nigerians, within and beyond Rivers State, ot join this protest. This is a national cause, and the fight against bad governance is a collective one. The demand for fairness, justice, and economic relief is a demand for all.”
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