Nationwide Protest Erupts as Nigerians Reject Cybercrime Law, Rivers Emergency Rule
Massive tension gripped several cities across Nigeria today as the Take-It-Back (TIB) movement led a nationwide protest against the controversial Cybercrime Act and the imposition of emergency rule in Rivers State.
The protest, themed “Nationwide Protest Against Bad Governance and Free Speech Suppression,” sparked debates between organizers and the police over its timing and legality.
Protest Locations and Motivation
Organizers directed protesters to gather at notable spots including Ikeja Underbridge (Lagos), Iwo Road (Ibadan), and Isaac Boro Park (Port Harcourt).
The protest aimed to call out the Federal Government for allegedly using the Cybercrime Act to suppress freedom of speech and for enforcing what has been labeled a military-style emergency rule in Rivers State.
TIB Speaks: “This Is About Our Rights”
TIB National Coordinator, Juwon Sanyaolu, emphasized that the protest is not just about one issue but about the larger threat to democracy in Nigeria. “We are calling for the repeal of the Cybercrime Act and a total end to the unconstitutional emergency rule in Rivers,” he said.
Sowore: “Nigerians Must Speak Up”
AAC presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore threw his full weight behind the protest. He said Nigerians have a right to speak out about different issues—from hunger and insecurity to free speech suppression. “Everyone is free to protest based on what affects them,” he told Vanguard.
Amnesty International Weighs In
Amnesty International urged the Nigerian government to allow the protests and respect the right to peaceful assembly. Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty Nigeria, warned against using the protests as a pretext to crack down on citizens’ rights.
“The right to protest is a constitutional and international right. Authorities must refrain from intimidating protesters,” Sanusi stated.
Labour and Civil Society Support
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) also threw its weight behind the protest, saying peaceful demonstrations are a cornerstone of democracy.
Likewise, the Joint Action Front (JAF) and Movement for Socialist Alternative (MSA) described the Cybercrime Act as anti-people and condemned the emergency rule in Rivers State as unconstitutional.
Police React: “Protest Is Ill-Timed”
Despite acknowledging the right to protest, the Nigeria Police Force labeled the planned protest as “mischievous and ill-timed,” citing its clash with events celebrating national security.
According to Force PRO Muyiwa Adejobi, such demonstrations could be hijacked by criminals and lead to chaos.
A police memo listed over 40 protest hotspots across Lagos State, urging officers to remain on high alert and protect critical infrastructure.
Conclusion
The battle between civil rights and government control continues to heat up. While organizers insist on their constitutional right to protest, the authorities warn of potential unrest.
As protests unfold, Nigerians wait to see if their voices will lead to change or more suppression.
Leave a Reply