Demands Police Protection from IGP, alleges Frozen Account, as Netizens react…
By Olawale Lamina
Ahead of the nationwide protests scheduled to commence in August 1, 2024 and last for 10 days, one of the identifiable conveners of the mass action, ‘Take it Back Movement’ has written to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, requesting for the use of the Eagles Square to stage demonstration over the general economic hardship confronting Nigerians.
In a letter addressed to the FCT minister, dated 26 July, 2024 and signed by the group’s Director of Mobilization, Damilare Adenola, the group requested the use of the Eagles Square ” as a point of convergence.”
The group stated that it is out to stage protests at the nation’s capital city, as one of the groups planning the much hyped #EndBadGovernance.
.”..We at the Take it Back Movement (TIB) write to your esteemed office, to notify you of our decision to use the Eagles Square as a point of convergence for patriotic Nigerians to demand for better governance,” said the movement in its commencing statement.
The body emphasized the use of the national asset for the proposed action for day and night, for the duration of the event, “as we embark on resolving the protracted national crisis occasion by the ruling party.”
The ‘Take it Back’ campaigners placed additional demands for 24-hour electricity supply, toilet facilities, water and security ” for the convenience of Nigerian citizens…, ” using the imperative word “must provide” to drive home their demands.
The request letter, a copy of which was obtained by The Pinnacle Times via proxy, ( attached here) further demanded that normal courtesy be accorded the protesters by the authorities in the course of their protests.
Before now, the FCT minister had stated unambiguously that protests would not be allowed in the federal capital, as the period coincided with the day the administration had set aside to celebrate the traditional rulers across the FCT.
Recall that the federal government on its own has earlier appealed for dialogue with protesters and warning of the implications of such actions, even as it reeled out measures already taken to mitigate the harsh economic conditions currently being faced by Nigerians, in the form of importation of rice now being distributed to states and other policy initiatives to address the situation on ground.
But a publication, Sahara Reporters specifically, had alleged that the federal government, in an effort to discredit organizers of the nationwide protests, had paid certain bloggers in the country the sum of N750, 000 per post.
“…government has reached out to bloggers, offering them N750,000 per post to publish damaging content about Sowore and the TIB movement,” Sahara Reporters had reported in its July 27 publication headlined: Tinubu Regime Begins Massive Campaign To Discredit Sowore, Take-It-Back Movement Over #EndBadGovernance Revolt, Pays Bloggers N750,000 Per Post.
Similarly, the Take It Back (TIB) Movement had alleged that its bank account was frozen under the influence of the Department of State Services ,DSS, threatening to take legal action against its banker (UBA), if the account is not unfrozen within 24 hours.
“The group stated that, “It has now come to our attention that @UBAGroup has frozen our account on the instructions of the DSS over our involvement in the forthcoming protest.”
Also, to actualize an incident free public protest, the Take It Back (TIB) Movement, had called on the Inspector General of Police, IGP Egbetokun to ensure the protection of the lives of individuals who would be part of the protests.
The Pinnacle Times reported earlier that the FCT Police Command had issues a statement, calling on protesters to ensure peaceful conduct of their activities. The police command also advised residents of the FCT to be watchful as the protest may be hijacked by unscrupulous elements, adding that residents should report suspicious movement and activities in their area by calling the police line. The Command stated that it has deployed over 4,000 operatives in every nook and cranny of the FCT, to ward off violence.
Meanwhile, netizens across different divides have reacted to the planned nationwide protests:
“This is no hunger protest, they are after their own agenda,” state Bonatel
“What a request! Hahhahaha,” said Culf.
A netizen who identified himself as Shikini said that, “In civilised world, government will oblige but trust Nigeria, Wike will say he is renovating the Eagle Square.
Most protests in Nigeria (including #EndSARS) are usually peaceful until agents of govt infiltrate the camp to cause mayhem.”
” I believe it is within the rights of Nations Nigerians to express their feelings through a lawful gathering.
“Security agencies should be out to protect protesters so that lawless people will not hijack the programme.
“This is telling those in government that people will not always keep quiet and it’s important that government continues to be responsible to the people by ensuring that needs are met,” stated a media practitioner who spoke on conditions of anonymity.
Helinuels said: “Na Wike dey in charge of Abuja, I trust him on this kind of situation.”
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