Members of the Take-It-Back Movement in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, are resolute in their plans to take to the streets on October 1 to protest against poor governance, widespread hardship, and hunger.
In a joint statement released by the Take-It-Back Movement (TIB) and the Niger Delta Coalition (NDC), they emphasized that Nigerians are fed up with the ongoing hunger and urged the government to take action. The statement was co-signed by key figures, including Amanyie King, TIB Coordinator for Rivers State; Andy Akpotive, TIB State Publicity Secretary; and Leerabari Famaa from the NDC.
This declaration follows a directive from the Nigerian police instructing their units to deploy covert operatives nationwide to prevent protests during Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day celebrations on October 1. A police wireless message from Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun conveyed this order to all AIGs and units across the country.
Despite the police warning, the Take-It-Back Movement remains committed to their protest plans and has cautioned the Rivers State Government against deploying thugs or agents to disrupt the event. They are urging citizens to join the demonstrations to voice their concerns over the ongoing challenges of governance and economic hardship.
The statement outlined the protest’s objectives, highlighting the burdens inflicted on the populace due to significant increases in fuel prices under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. They called for all residents of Rivers State to participate peacefully, exercising their constitutional right to protest against policies harming the community.
Their demands include reducing the petrol price to no more than 400 Naira per liter, arguing that current prices are economically unsustainable for many Nigerians. Additionally, they called for a significant reduction in school fees at all educational levels, stating that the rising costs make quality education unattainable for numerous families.
The movement emphasized that the protest will be peaceful, asserting their commitment to a civil and non-violent demonstration. They firmly reject any attempts to intimidate or silence them, insisting on their rights as citizens to demand accountability and better governance from elected officials.
The statement also conveyed a stern warning to the Rivers State Government: any efforts to disrupt the protest through thugs or provocateurs would be seen as a direct threat to public order. The movement is prepared to defend their rights through lawful and civil means.
They invite all Nigerians, both within and beyond Rivers State, to join this cause, stressing that the fight against bad governance is a collective responsibility. The demand for fairness, justice, and economic relief resonates as a call for unity among all citizens.
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