NEWSBRIEF: NIGERIA – Nigeria Nationwide Protest Today, what we know; On Monday (today), April 7, Nigeria braces for nationwide protests organized by the Take It Back movement and other civil society groups. Protesters will meet in various locations across Nigeria, with the organizers expressing their determination to fearlessly face any kind of repression that’ll be subjected to them by the security agencies.
Nigeria Protest Live Updates
- Teargas fired at protesters in Port Harcourt.
- Protesters gather at Isaac Boro Park despite heavy police presence.
- Police fire teargas in Maitama, Abuja to disperse crowd.
What’s Causing Nigeria Protests
Nigeria has been witnessing a rise in protests, with the latest being the “End Bad Governance” protest which was held in last August, but saw a forceful response from the police and resulted to deaths and arrests.
The planned protest for today is based on specific areas which have sparked outrage and concern among the citizens and mainly the youth.
Through a nationwide mobilization, the majority have expressed their frustration with the government and its governance.
Some of the issues to be addressed in today’s protest are:
- The State of Emergency that’s currently active in Rivers State.
- The misuse of the Cybersecurity Act.
- Economic hardships in the nation.
- Other issues that directly impact the citizens in various regions of the country.
Nigeria Police Force Warn Protesters
The police have been placed on high alert in preparation for the planned protests, with officers being stationed in specific locations, covering critical infrastructure and other strategic areas to deter protesters.
The protest coincides with the National Police Day, which falls on Monday, April 7.
In a public statement, the Nigeria Police Force public relations officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi expressed his doubts and concern on the motives behind the protest, stating that “the rationale behind staging a nationwide protest on the same day is however questionable and perceived to be a deliberate attempt and unpatriotic act that is capable of rubbishing and maligning the image of the Nigeria Police and the nation as a whole.”
He added that “while reaffirming the commitment of the NPF (Nigeria Police Force) to adequately carrying out its mandate in accordance with the Law and respect for rights of citizens hereby urges all the organizers of the planned protest as well as individuals who intend to join the protest to pursue dialogue by engaging the proper institution of government to press home their demands.”
The State Signal will update you with new details on how the protest unfolds.