TAKE IT BACK MOVEMENT, a major organizer of the planned August 1 to 10, 2024 hardship protest in Nigeria, has unveiled details of the protest upon the request of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
The details, including venues and locations, where the intended protests would take place were contained in a letter by Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN, attorney to the organizers, addressed to the IGP.
Meanwhile, the Adegboruwa asked the IGP to provide the contact details of the Police officers designated to cover the said protest.
“We act as solicitors to the TAKE IT BACK MOVEMENT, and refer to our letter on the above subject matter dated July 26, 2024, and your response thereto dated July 29, 2024, Ref. CJ:2400/IGP.SEC/ABJ/VOL.1/10, which we have passed to our Client with instructions to respond thereto as follows.
“Our Client acknowledges the commitment of the Inspector-General of Police towards complying with extant legislations granting citizens the right to hold public meetings, public rallies and public processions and the lawful discharge of the obligations placed upon the police to provide adequate coverage and protection at the venues.
“We shall be glad to have the contact details of the Deputy Inspectors-General of Police, Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, and the Commissioners of Police designated to cover the said public meetings, public rallies and public processions, to ensure a peaceful and crisis-free outing.
“We shall update you with further details over time, hoping that the above information suffices for planning and strategy. We are delighted to attend the meeting with the Inspector-General of Police as requested. However, to achieve enlarged participation, we request that the said meeting be held virtually, to give room for all stakeholders to attend. Specifically, we will be led in the said meeting by Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, the NBA, other lawyers and civil society organizations. We await the Zoom link for the said virtual meeting”, the letter stated.
Recall that IGP Egbetokun had agreed to provide security for the planned protesters in a letter addressed to Adegboruwa on Monday.
The Police had also invited Adegboruwa for a meeting on Tuesday.
This development comes as last-minute planning to schedule hardship protests amid the rising cost of living in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has designated all 256 custodial centers across the country as “red zones” that must not be breached, ahead of the planned nationwide protest starting August 1.
Controller General of Corrections, Hailey Nababa, issued the warning in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.
The agency warned that tampering with or attacking these centers would lead to a breakdown of law and order and exacerbate societal security.
“In view of the national protest scheduled for August 1, 2024, the Controller General informs the public that Custodial Centres are red zones; any unauthorized persons should steer clear,” the statement, signed by spokesman Abubakar Umar, read.
However, a troubling video has surfaced, showing thugs threatening market traders in Lagos who may want to join in the planned protest in the state.
In the video, one of the individuals is heard warning traders: “Nigerians, you are not the only people hungry.
“Do not come out on August 1st to protest. Well, if you get the mind to come out, see what will happen to you.”
The threats have raised alarm among the public and sparked concerns about the potential for violence and disruption as the protests approach.
