Security operatives have barricaded the main gate of the National Assembly complex in Abuja ahead of a planned protest by the Take It Back Movement and several civil society groups.
The protest, scheduled for today, June 12, 2025, marks Nigeria’s Democracy Day and aims to highlight the country’s economic hardship, insecurity, and perceived misrule under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The Protest
The Take It Back Movement had announced plans to converge at the National Assembly, where President Tinubu is expected to address a joint session of the National Assembly as part of the Democracy Day celebrations.
The movement’s National Coordinator, Juwon Sanyaolu, emphasized that the protest would focus on the government’s handling of the economy, insecurity, and civic space, despite the change in venue from Eagle Square.
The National Assembly gate is heavily guarded by security personnel, including operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and armed police officers.
The entrance has been reinforced with iron barricades and a long truck, effectively blocking access to the premises. The atmosphere remains tense as protesters prepare to gather.
Nationwide Demonstrations
The June 12 protest is expected to hold in at least 20 cities across Nigeria, with demonstrators demanding better governance, economic relief, and an end to insecurity.
The protests are aimed at highlighting the country’s worsening economic hardship, rising cost of living, and shrinking civic space under President Tinubu’s administration.
Call for Peaceful Protest
The #EndBadGovernance Movement has called on law enforcement agencies to protect peaceful demonstrators, citing their constitutional right to protest.
The movement’s leaders emphasize that the protests are a necessary measure to hold the government accountable for its actions and policies.
