ABUJA, Nigeria – Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force on Monday resorted to using tear gas canisters to disperse a protest in the Maitama district area of Abuja.
The demonstrators, led by Omoyele Sowore, the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), were expressing dissatisfaction with the country’s economic conditions and the recent imposition of emergency rule in Rivers State.
The protest, part of a larger nationwide action spearheaded by the Take It Back Movement (TIB), quickly descended into chaos as tear gas fumes filled the air, causing panic among the crowd.
Protesters scattered in various directions as security forces attempted to bring the situation under control.
Sowore, who has been a vocal critic of the current administration, addressed the gathered crowd, stating, “We have informed the political authorities that we will not accept any laws that infringe on our fundamental human rights. We will continue to speak out.”
The demonstrators made it clear that they were marching to the National Assembly to press their demands.
Sowore urged the police to join them in their march, saying, “The time has come for the people and the police to unite. Together, we can fight to improve both their living and working conditions. Nigerian police are among the most mistreated globally, yet they continue to harm those advocating for their welfare.”
Sowore also criticized President Bola Tinubu, saying, “While we protest here, Tinubu is busy enjoying himself in France. We will not sit idly while the president continues to suppress our rights.”
He also took aim at the current Inspector General of Police, accusing him of overstaying his tenure and unlawfully holding office after 16 years.
Sowore stated, “We’ve also made it clear that the current inspector general of police, who is leading the programme at Eagle Square today, holds the position unlawfully.”
Juwon Sanyaolu, the national coordinator of TIB, echoed the group’s core demands, which included the repeal of the Cybercrime Act and the cessation of the emergency rule in Rivers State, describing the latter as a form of “military dictatorship” under President Tinubu’s administration.
The protest coincided with the National Police Day celebrations scheduled for April 7, drawing additional attention to the unrest among the Nigerian populace over security concerns and political issues.
The Nigeria Police Force had previously urged the organizers to cancel the protest and instead engage in dialogue with relevant government institutions.
The demonstrations, which saw similar actions in Lagos and Port Harcourt, are seen as early signs of growing dissatisfaction among Nigerians, with the movement vowing that no force will be able to stop them from demanding their rights.
