Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command on Monday blocked protesters from reaching the Lagos State Assembly complex, where they intended to submit a letter outlining their demands.
The Take-It-Back Movement, alongside other civil society organisations, is spearheading the ongoing protest to draw attention to pressing national issues, including the alleged misuse of the Cybercrime Act and what they describe as a “state of emergency” in Rivers State.
The protesters initially gathered at the Ikeja Under Bridge, displaying placards with various inscriptions to express their grievances. They later embarked on a procession to the state assembly complex, where they encountered armed policemen who had set up a roadblock a few metres away from the entrance.
Frustrated by the police presence, the protesters insisted on presenting their letter. They remained at the location for approximately two hours, but no one appeared to address them.
Juwon Sanyaolu, the national coordinator of the Take-It-Back Movement, accused the security operatives of violating their rights to protest while speaking to newsmen.
He stated, “The policemen are preventing us from accessing the House of Assembly. It is the people’s assembly, so why are they blocking it? They are impeding our constitutional rights to movement, peaceful assembly, and protest.”
Sanyaolu also demanded the release of protesters who were allegedly arrested in various parts of the country where demonstrations were held.
Describing the demonstration as a warning action, Sanyaolu declared that another protest would take place in August if the government fails to meet their demands.
He said, “Currently, protesters have been arrested in Abuja after they were violently dispersed. We are calling for the immediate release of those arrested in Abuja, Yobe, Gombe, and Rivers States. This is a warning action, and when we return to remobilise in August, we will shake the entire country and the entire world.
“We want the federal government to stop the Cybercrime Act, the emergency rule in Rivers State, the demolition of houses in Oworonshoki and other parts of Lagos State, and to halt the trial of those charged with treason after the #EndBadGovernance protest.”
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