Damilare Adeola, Director of Mobilisation for the Take It Back Movement (TIB), has refuted the characterisation of the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest organisers as “faceless.” He described this label as a “double insult,” arguing it dismisses the reality of those leading the protest, whom he identified as “hungry Nigerians” and “unemployed Nigerians roaming the streets.”
Adeola emphasized that the primary motivation behind the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest is hunger. He highlighted that the protest’s demands were formed through democratic debate among young Nigerians, reflecting widespread frustration.
Clarifying the organising efforts, Adeola stated that the Take It Back Movement is part of a broader coalition. “Take It Back is one of the organisers of this protest, but not the only organiser,” he said during an interview with Channels Television’s Politics Today. He noted that the protest’s leadership stems from the collective will of the Nigerian people, not a single organisation.
Regarding financial support, Adeola confirmed that the movement has not received monetary donations and mentioned recent issues with its bank account being blocked. “The account of the TIB with the United Bank of Africa has been blocked arbitrarily,” he said. Addressing questions about the protest’s leadership, Adeola stressed that it is driven by the people rather than any specific group or individual. He argued that the focus should be on addressing the public’s grievances rather than identifying specific organisers.
On the issue of using public spaces like Eagle Square for protests, Adeola questioned the government’s demand for payment and security fees. “The truth is that Eagle Square is a public property. What does the minister expect?” he asked.
Last week, SaharaReporters reported that organisers of the planned nationwide #DaysOfRage and #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests had written to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, requesting the release of Eagle Square between August 1 and 10, 2024, for the peaceful demonstration. In a letter signed by Damilare Adeola, the protesters demanded unrestricted access to the venue 24/7 throughout the duration of the protest and possibly even after it concludes.
The letter read, “I write you as the Director of Mobilisation, Take It Back Movement (TIB) to your office to grant us access to Eagle Square between August 1 and 10, 2024, for our #DaysOfRage, #EndBadGovernance protest. This request entails using this national asset day and night for the duration of the historic protest. Also, note that the protest may be prolonged beyond ten days as we embark on the protracted crisis occasioned by the ruling party. Further, your office must also ensure the provision of a 24-hour power supply, toilet facilities, water, and security for the convenience of Nigerian citizens who will be camped out at Eagle Square. In short, we ask that the protesters are accorded the courtesy accorded to foreign and local official dignitaries who have frequently used the space.”
Wike later said his office had not received the letter. According to Adeola, this could be due to government bureaucracy or Wike’s lack of sincerity about receiving the letter.
Join our WhatsApp channel for updates.