On Thursday morning, security forces sealed off the main entrance to the National Assembly complex in Abuja, effectively stopping protesters from entering the premises.
The move came in anticipation of a demonstration organized by the Take It Back Movement alongside several civil society organizations. The protest was planned as part of the activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12.
The groups behind the protest stated that the demonstration was aimed at drawing attention to what they described as “two years of misrule, hardship, and insecurity” during the tenure of President Bola Tinubu. Initially scheduled to take place at Eagle Square, the organizers later announced a change in location to the National Assembly, where President Tinubu is expected to deliver an address to a joint session of lawmakers as part of the day’s events.
On Wednesday evening, Juwon Sanyaolu, who serves as the National Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement, explained that the change in venue did not signify a shift in the goals of the protest. He maintained that the focus remained on holding the government accountable for the deteriorating living conditions in the country.
He stated, “That we earlier said the protest would hold at Eagle Square doesn’t foreclose the fact that Nigerians cannot organise themselves at the National Assembly to protest the two years of misrule under Tinubu.
The unprecedented hardship and insecurity we have experienced under his government are alarming. So Nigerians will be turning out nationwide to protest against this, and the National Assembly is one of those spaces Nigerians can exercise their constitutional rights. We are encouraging Nigerians to move there in their numbers tomorrow.”
When our correspondent arrived at the National Assembly early Thursday, there was already a significant presence of security operatives. Officers from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, as well as heavily armed police personnel, were stationed at the gate.
The entrance itself was blocked off with iron barricades and a large truck, creating a formidable barrier to entry.
As of the time this report was filed, the situation at the National Assembly remained tense, with the possibility of confrontation looming should protesters continue their attempt to access the site.
What you should know
Security forces blocked access to the National Assembly on Democracy Day to prevent a protest organized by the Take It Back Movement.
The demonstration, aimed at criticizing the Tinubu administration’s two-year record, was redirected to the National Assembly where the president was scheduled to speak. The area remains under heavy surveillance, reflecting heightened tensions over citizens’ right to protest.
