The Take It Back (TIB) Movement and some residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have announced plans to hold a protest on Saturday, May 24, over the takeover of Jabi Lake Park by FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
The protest, tagged #SaveJabiLakePark, is expected to attract residents who use the park for exercise, relaxation and other recreational activities.
As part of the mobilisation, protesters placed a large banner at the park, demanding that the Minister and developers leave the area or face mass resistance.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday at the park, activist and convener of the Take It Back Movement, Omoyele Sowore, said the protest became necessary after the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum earlier given to the FCT administration.
According to Sowore, the group had asked the Minister to reverse the decision and stop any planned development at the park, but claimed that construction activities were instead being intensified.
He accused the FCT Minister of allowing parts of the park to be used for private development despite opposition from residents who consider the area an important public recreational space.
Sowore said the protest would hold at the park by 7:00 a.m. on Saturday and was aimed at resisting what he described as the “forceful takeover” of public land meant for residents.
He also revealed that some people claiming to be the original owners of the land had contacted the movement, alleging that the property was first allocated to them during the military government of late Head of State, Sani Abacha.
According to him, the land was later reallocated during the tenure of former FCT Minister, Nasir El-Rufai, before it was eventually converted into a public park in 2003.
Sowore said the ownership issue remained in court for years before the claimants were reportedly encouraged to return to the land for development.
He further alleged that although the entire 14-hectare land was returned to the original owners, three hectares were allegedly taken over by the current FCT administration, “The park now serves the public. It has become an important recreational and environmental space for Abuja residents. If compensation is needed, alternative land can be provided elsewhere,” he said.
Sowore stressed the need to protect green areas and public parks in Abuja, warning against the continuous commercialisation of public spaces.
He called on Nigerians, especially regular users of the park, including workers, retirees, lawyers, nurses and doctors, to join the protest, “We are determined to protect this park. Nigerians who care about public spaces and the environment should come out and defend it,” he added.
The protest is expected to attract civil society organisations, environmental groups and residents concerned about urban development and the reduction of public recreational spaces in Abuja.
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