Countdown To APRIL 7TH: Nationwide Protest Looms as Nigerians Rally Against Suppression and Economic Hardship

 

The tension across Nigeria is palpable as the Take-It-Back (TIB) Movement has called for a nationwide protest scheduled for April 7, 2025. The protest, which will commence in Abuja, aims to draw attention to what the movement describes as a dire threat to democratic rights and freedoms under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu. Central to the demonstration is a strong opposition to the controversial Cybercrime Act and the emergency rule imposed in Rivers State, both of which, protest organizers argue, represent an alarming clampdown on free speech and governance in the country.

A Clash Over the Cybercrime Act

The Cybercrime Act, originally intended to address cyber-related offenses, has become a focal point for criticism in recent months. According to Juwon Sanyaolu, the National Coordinator of the TIB Movement, the law has been weaponized by the government to stifle dissent, particularly targeting journalists, activists, and social media users. In an exclusive interview with PUNCH on Monday, Sanyaolu argued that the Cybercrime Act is no longer merely a tool for combating online crime but has increasingly become a mechanism for silencing critical voices.

“The law was meant to address cybercrime, but it has been twisted to suppress journalists and activists,” Sanyaolu remarked. “It’s clear that the government is using this legislation to intimidate those who dare to speak out. Journalists like Segun Olatunji, Daniel Ojukwu, and Dayo Aiyetan have faced harassment and detention simply for doing their jobs.”

The pattern of arrests and intimidation has raised serious concerns about press freedom in Nigeria, with many observers pointing to the rising risk of media censorship. The TIB Movement insists that repealing the Cybercrime Act is essential to preserving the right to free speech and preventing further governmental overreach.

Rivers State and the Emergency Rule

Another pressing issue that the TIB Movement is highlighting is the imposition of emergency rule in Rivers State, which has generated widespread controversy. In 2024, the federal government suspended the state’s elected governor and legislative body, replacing them with a temporary military-style administration. The move has been described by political analysts and legal experts as a breach of Nigeria’s democratic principles.

“This is not just a case of local governance. It’s a direct attack on Nigeria’s democracy,” Sanyaolu stated. “What we are witnessing in Rivers is executive overreach, a form of dictatorship. We cannot stand idly by while the government dismantles democratic institutions in one of Nigeria’s most populous states.”

Critics argue that the suspension of Rivers’ government is an unprecedented step that could have long-lasting consequences for Nigeria’s political landscape. Legal experts have voiced concerns that such actions could create a dangerous precedent, undermining the rule of law and the separation of powers that are essential for any functioning democracy.

Economic Hardship and Widespread Discontent

While the protest’s central focus is on governance and free speech, it is also fueled by widespread dissatisfaction with the economic direction of the country. Since President Tinubu took office, Nigeria has grappled with skyrocketing inflation, a surge in unemployment, and a significant rise in the cost of living. Basic necessities such as food, housing, and transportation have become increasingly unaffordable for many Nigerians, exacerbating public frustration.

“The government seems more focused on silencing critics than addressing the real issues affecting us,” said a resident of Abuja. “The cost of living is unbearable. People can barely feed their families, and yet we’re told to accept this as the new normal.”

In recent months, protests against economic hardship have erupted in various states, including Enugu and Ondo, where citizens have called on the government to take stronger action on insecurity and rising crime. The nationwide protests scheduled for April 7 are expected to amplify these concerns, with organizers vowing to demand greater accountability from the administration.

Nationwide Mobilization: A Call for Action

Although the central protest will take place at the National Assembly in Abuja, the TIB Movement has indicated that other cities across the country will also witness demonstrations, though the exact locations are yet to be revealed. Flyers and social media posts promoting the event are circulating, urging Nigerians from all walks of life to come together and raise their voices against what they see as an erosion of their rights and freedoms.

“We cannot afford to remain silent any longer,” Sanyaolu declared. “This protest is not about political affiliation—it’s about protecting the future of Nigeria. We are standing up for a country where free speech is respected and democratic principles are upheld.”

As the date for the protests draws closer, all eyes will be on the Nigerian government’s response. Will authorities seek to quell the growing movement with force, or will they heed the calls for reform and change? One thing is certain: Nigerians are determined to make their voices heard, and the outcome of these protests could have far-reaching consequences for the future of the country.