The Take It Back Movement has announced plans to stage a nationwide protest on August 5, urging Nigerians to participate in what it describes as the “Festival of the Oppressed” to demand action on insecurity, economic hardship and the protection of democratic rights.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the movement’s National Coordinator, Juwon Sanyaolu, said the demonstration would provide citizens with an opportunity to voice concerns over the country’s socio-economic and political challenges.
According to the group, persistent insecurity across several parts of the country has left many communities vulnerable, while numerous victims remain in captivity.
“Nigeria is bleeding. Across every region of the country, ordinary people are paying the price for the failures of those in power,” Sanyaolu said.
He added that many families had been forced to negotiate with kidnappers for the release of loved ones, accusing authorities of failing to adequately address the situation.
The movement also blamed worsening living conditions on the removal of fuel subsidy and the continued depreciation of the naira, arguing that both had fuelled inflation and made essential goods and services increasingly unaffordable.
“Food prices have become unbearable, transportation costs have multiplied, and millions of working Nigerians can no longer afford basic necessities,” the statement read.
The organisation further alleged that the Cybercrime Act was being used to suppress freedom of expression, claiming that journalists, activists, students, labour leaders and other citizens had faced harassment and prosecution for criticising the government.
“The laws have become tools for silencing dissent and criminalising criticism of those in power,” the group stated.
It also criticised what it described as political persecution, maintaining that democracy cannot flourish where opposing views are treated as criminal offences.
The movement called for improved welfare for Nigerian workers, including members of the armed forces, police officers, nurses, teachers and civil servants.
“A living wage is not a privilege; it is a basic requirement for dignity and productivity,” Sanyaolu said.
It also condemned reported xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa and urged authorities to ensure the safety of Nigerians and other African nationals living in the country.
Among its demands, the group called for improved security, the rescue of kidnapped victims, the release of political detainees, the repeal of the Cybercrime Act, the 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 the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and the dismissal of the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Tosin Ajayi.
Describing the planned demonstration, the movement said the protest would unite workers, students, journalists, professionals, traders and farmers whose concerns had been ignored.
“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,” the statement said.
Calling for peaceful participation, the group urged Nigerians to mobilise ahead of the August 5 protest.
“Our demands are just. Our rights are non-negotiable. Our future must be reclaimed. Enough is enough,” the statement concluded.
