Security operatives of the Nigeria Police Force on Monday fired tear gas canisters to disperse demonstrators protesting in the Maitama district of Abuja.
The protesters had gathered to decry the worsening economic conditions and the imposition of emergency rule in Rivers State. However, chaos erupted when police deployed tear gas, sending demonstrators scrambling for safety in all directions.
The protest was part of a broader nationwide demonstration organized by the Take It Back (TIB) Movement, with African Action Congress (AAC) 2023 presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore leading the charge.
“We’ve made it clear to the political leadership that any law infringing on our fundamental rights will not be tolerated,” Sowore declared during the protest. “We will continue to speak out.”
He further stated that the police were fully aware of the planned march. “They said they have their own event, but we informed them that it doesn’t interfere with ours. We also told them we’re heading to the National Assembly. If they like, they can march with us.”
Sowore also called on the police to join the people in demanding improved conditions. “Nigerian police officers are among the most poorly treated in the world, yet they’re used against those fighting for their welfare. That must change.”
He also criticised President Bola Tinubu for being away in France while citizens protested back home. “The president is gallivanting abroad while Nigerians are being suppressed at home. We won’t sit back and watch.”
Addressing the Inspector General of Police, Sowore said: “The IGP, who is leading an event at Eagle Square today, has overstayed his legal tenure. This is part of why we’re on the streets—no force can suppress a powerful idea.”
Similar protests were held in Lagos and Port Harcourt, signaling the beginning of what Sowore described as a larger national movement. “Soon, Nigerians will rise, and no force will be able to stop them,” he said.
Juwon Sanyaolu, the national coordinator of TIB, outlined the group’s key demands: an end to the emergency rule in Rivers State, which they likened to military dictatorship, and the repeal of the Cybercrime Act, which they argue is used to stifle free expression.
The Nigeria Police had earlier advised the organisers to cancel the protest and seek dialogue with government authorities. Coincidentally, the protest took place on the same day as the National Police Day celebration, April 7.
