Abuja, Nigeria
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) on Monday deployed officers and fired tear gas canisters to disperse a protest in the Maitama district area of Abuja.
The protesters had assembled in the Maitama district of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to demonstrate against the state of the economy and the presidential emergency rule in Rivers State.
When police operatives arrived at the location fired tear gas and fumes, filling the air, which made some of the protesters scatter in different directions.
Omoyele Sowore and leaders of the Take It Back Movement (TIB) are leading the nationwide protest.
“We have informed the political authorities that we will not accept any laws that infringe on our fundamental human rights. We will continue to speak out,” Sowore said.
“The police are aware that we are marching today. They claim to have their own event as well, but we’ve made it clear that theirs cannot interfere with ours.
“We have also informed them that we are heading to the national assembly. If they wish, they can mobilise and march alongside us.
“In fact, we’ve told Nigerian police officers that the time has come for the people and the police to unite. Together, we can fight to improve both their living and working conditions.
“Nigerian police are among the most mistreated globally, yet they continue to harm those advocating for their welfare. We will not tolerate this any longer.
“While we protest here, Tinubu is busy enjoying himself in France. We will not sit idly while the president continues to suppress our rights.
“We’ve also made it clear that the current inspector general of police, who is leading the programme at Eagle Square today, holds the position unlawfully.
“He has overstayed his tenure after 16 years in power. This is one of the main reasons we are marching today. No one can suppress a powerful idea.
“As we march here today, similar protests are happening in Lagos and Port Harcourt.
“These are just the early signs. Very soon, all Nigerians will rise up, and no force will be able to hold them back.”
The national coordinator of TIB, Juwon Sanyaolu, said the core demands of the protesters include the repeal of the Cybercrime Act and ending the emergency rule in Rivers state.
According to TIB, the emergency rule represents a “form of military dictatorship under President Bola Tinubu’s administration”.
Olumuyiwa Adejobi, NPF public relations officer, said the protest coincides with the celebration of National Police Day and urged them to shelve the protest and approach relevant government agencies to dialogue.
