Democracy Day: Protesters mobilise as Tinubu addresses NASS
A clash between protesters and security officials may ensue today June 12 as the Take It Back Movement, protest organisers, have planned to carry out a demonstration at the National Assembly, Abuja and 19 other locations across the country during the democracy day celebrations.
President Bola Tinubu addresses a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives today as part of Democracy Day activities, setting the stage for a volatile situation.
Recall that the nationwide broadcast that was originally planned to honour Nigeria’s 26th anniversary of Democracy Day was cancelled by Tinubu.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Segun Imohiosen, the Director of Information and Public Relations in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, explained the move by stating that the President was expected to attend a joint session of the National Assembly today.
He noted that the President would instead give his Democracy Day speech straight from the National Assembly chambers.
The organisers of the protests told newsmen that they plan to approach political figures about their fight against economic hardship.
In an interview with The PUNCH on Wednesday, the Take it back group declared that it would be moving its march against the harsh reforms enacted by the Tinubu administration from Eagle Square to a different location.
The demonstration, which is anticipated to attract attendees from a range of civil society organisations, aims to raise awareness of what the organisers called Tinubu’s government’s “two years of misrule, hardship, and insecurity.”
The Director of Mobilisation for the protest in the Federal Capital Territory, Michael Adenola, said the movement had gained momentum among young Nigerians who are angered by the worsening economic conditions and government neglect.
“Preparations are in order. Many Nigerian youths, who have expressed frustration over the spate of killings in the country, mass unemployment, and underfunded education, have shown commitment to participate in the protest.
“Other civil society organisations have also committed to mobilising their members. Expect thousands on the streets of Abuja.”
Adenola also urged the security agencies to respect the constitutional rights of protesters and refrain from using force.
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