Take-It-Back Movement Demands Police Protection During April 7 Rivers State Protest

The Take-It-Back (TIB) Movement, Rivers state chapter has called for police protection during the upcoming April 7 protest in Rivers State.

This demand comes as the Take-It-Back Movement announced its plans to hold a peaceful demonstration in Rivers State, focusing on demands for the repeal of the Cybercrime Act and rejecting various “anti-people policies” enacted by President Tinubu’s regime.

The protest, which has been communicated to the state police command, aims to draw attention to the negative impact these policies have had on the people of Nigeria and emphasize the urgent need for change

In a formal notification letter sent to the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, TIB outlined key issues prompting the demonstration. 

The letter, signed by TIB’s State Coordinator, Amaniye King Amaniye, the General Secretary, Damiete Erekosima and the Publicity Secretary, Andy Akpotive, the organisers emphasised their commitment to maintaining order and ensuring that the protest remains lawful.

They cited their constitutional right to freedom of expression and assembly, as enshrined in Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“We are committed to ensuring that this protest remains peaceful, orderly, and in compliance with the laws of Nigeria.

“We also seek the cooperation of the police to provide security, just as was done during our previous protests against bad governance,” the statement read. 

The Take-It-Back Movement is urging all supporters and concerned citizens to participate in the peaceful protest on April 7, as they continue to advocate for policy reforms and push back against the current regime’s actions.

As of now, authorities have not released an official statement in response to the planned demonstration. However, the nation’s attention remains focused as the day of the protest approaches, with many anticipating the opportunity to collectively demand an end to neoliberal policies, which have been pushing the nation into penury, and call for the repeal of the Cybercrime Act.