Take It Back Movement plans nationwide protest August 5

The Take It Back Movement has called on Nigerians to participate in a nationwide protest scheduled for August 5, tagged the “Festival of the Oppressed,” citing concerns over insecurity, rising cost of living, alleged repression and what it described as the shrinking democratic space under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its National Coordinator, Juwon Sanyaolu, the movement said the planned demonstration would provide an avenue for citizens to express their grievances over the country’s current socio-economic and political situation.

The group alleged that insecurity remained a major challenge, claiming that many Nigerians were still being held by kidnappers and armed groups, while communities in states including Borno, Zamfara, Katsina, Niger, Plateau, Oyo, Kaduna and Benue continued to experience attacks.

“Nigeria is bleeding. Across every region of the country, ordinary people are paying the price for the failures of those in power,” the statement read.

It further alleged that “families are left to negotiate ransoms for their loved ones while government officials continue to make empty promises.”

The movement also expressed concern over the rising cost of living, attributing the situation to the removal of fuel subsidy in 2023 and the continued devaluation of the naira, which it said had driven inflation to historic levels.

“Food prices have become unbearable, transportation costs have multiplied, and millions of working Nigerians can no longer afford basic necessities,” it said.

The group further accused the government of using the Cybercrime Act to suppress dissent, alleging that journalists, activists, students, labour organisers and ordinary citizens had increasingly faced harassment, arrests and prosecution for exercising their right to free expression.

“The laws have become tools for silencing dissent and criminalising criticism of those in power,” it added.

The movement also criticised what it described as political persecution, saying democracy could not thrive where disagreement was treated as a crime.

It further argued that Nigerian workers, including soldiers, police officers, nurses, teachers and civil servants, deserved improved remuneration.

“A living wage is not a privilege; it is a basic requirement for dignity and productivity,” the statement said.

The organisation also condemned recurring xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa, calling on authorities to protect Nigerians and other Africans living across the continent.

Among its demands, the group called for improved security and the rescue of Nigerians in captivity, the release of political detainees, the repeal of the Cybercrime Act, implementation of a ₦500,000 national minimum wage, measures to reduce the cost of living, the withdrawal of charges against activist Omoyele Sowore, the removal of Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, the dismissal of the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Tosin Ajayi, and the protection of Nigeria’s sovereignty.

Describing the planned protest, the movement said, “The Festival of the Oppressed is more than a protest. It is a gathering of workers, students, artists, journalists, professionals, market traders, farmers and every Nigerian whose voice has been ignored by those in power.”

It added, “History has repeatedly shown that no government willingly surrenders privilege without sustained democratic pressure from the people. The future of Nigeria cannot be left in the hands of a political class that continues to profit while millions sink deeper into hardship.”

Calling for peaceful participation, the movement urged Nigerians to mobilise ahead of the August 5 demonstration.

“We therefore call on Nigerians everywhere to peacefully mobilise, organise and participate in the August 5 Festival of the Oppressed. Let every community become a centre of democratic resistance. Let every oppressed Nigerian understand that they are not alone.

“Our demands are just. Our rights are non-negotiable. Our future must be reclaimed. Enough is enough,” the statement concluded.