June 12: Nationwide Protest Against Hardship, Insecurity to Hold in 20 States — Organisers

By Admin

A coalition of civic groups under the banner of the #TakeItBack Movement has confirmed plans to stage a nationwide protest on June 12, Nigeria’s Democracy Day, in at least 20 states to demand action against growing economic hardship, worsening insecurity, and what it calls a shrinking civic space.

The protest is scheduled to hold simultaneously across the country on Thursday, June 12, 2025, with organisers urging Nigerians to come out en masse in peaceful demonstrations.

The national coordinator of the movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, disclosed that designated rally points have been announced across the country, including major urban centres in Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan, Benin, Bauchi, Akure, Osogbo, Yola, Minna, and others.

In Abuja, protesters are expected to converge at Eagle Square by 8:00 a.m., while multiple rally points have been identified in Lagos, including Maryland, Agbara, Badagry, and Toll Gate, with gatherings starting from 7:00 a.m.

Other locations include:

Cathedral Junction, Akure (8:00 a.m.)

Museum Ground, Benin City (9:00 a.m.)

Mokola Roundabout, Ibadan (8:00 a.m.)

Yelewam Makaranta, Bauchi (8:00 a.m.)

Olaiya Junction, Osogbo

Gida Matasa, Niger State (8:00 a.m.)

Juppu Jam Road, Yola (8:00 a.m.)

Kasuwan Gamboru Flyover, Borno State (8:00 a.m.)

In Delta State, simultaneous protests are expected in Sapele, Asaba, Ughelli, Warri, and Abraka.

According to the organisers, the date was chosen to symbolically mark Democracy Day and spotlight the need for government accountability and improved governance.

“June 12 represents an opportunity for Nigerians to peacefully demand good governance and accountability,” Sanyaolu said. “The constitution states clearly that the welfare and security of the people shall be the primary purpose of government—responsibilities this administration has failed to meet.”

He cited an Amnesty International report indicating that over 10,000 Nigerians have lost their lives to insecurity since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office in 2023. He also highlighted the growing number of internally displaced persons, noting over 40,000 in Benue and 68,000 in Plateau states.

Similarly, the Police commands in Lagos, Ogun, and Niger States have heightened security ahead of Thursday’s planned protests.

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police for Zone 2, Adegoke Fayoade, confirmed that police commissioners in the affected states have been instructed to deploy officers to flashpoints, including Kara Bridge, Ojota, Alausa, Surulere, and Freedom Park in Lagos.

In Ogun State, security presence will be increased in Kuto, Gbara, Sango, and Shagamu. Fayoade said anti-riot and patrol teams would be strategically stationed and Armoured Personnel Carriers deployed near critical infrastructure.

“This is not to say we are anticipating violence. However, we must be proactive in our approach,” he stated.

In Niger State, Police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun said the command had deployed officers to Gidan-Matasa in Minna and surrounding areas to forestall any breakdown of law and order.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) also announced that personnel had been dispatched to manage traffic around protest-prone areas.

Recall that a scheduled meeting between the #TakeItBack Movement and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, failed to hold on Tuesday.

One of the organisers, Comrade Hassan Soweto, said the team waited for over an hour at the command headquarters but were informed that the Commissioner had accompanied President Tinubu to the airport.

“We won’t attend any further physical meetings; we’ll only agree to virtual discussions going forward,” Soweto said.

The group has also submitted an open letter to the Lagos State Police Command requesting security coverage for the June 12 protest.
“Protesting is not a request. It is a constitutional right,” said Adekunle Taofeek, Lagos coordinator of the movement. “Sections 39 and 40 of the Constitution grant every Nigerian the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.”

They urged the police to protect protesters rather than harass them, warning against any suppression of peaceful demonstrations.
“June 12 is not a date for silence but a reminder that Nigerians never begged for freedom—we fought for it, and we will continue to do so.”