June 12 protest: Organisers reveal nationwide venues

DDM News

The Take It Back Movement has rolled out a mass mobilisation campaign ahead of Nigeria’s Democracy Day scheduled for June 12.

The group has released a detailed list of protest venues across various states, calling Nigerians to resist what it terms the escalating misrule of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) confirms that the protests will occur in at least 20 locations nationwide, spanning northern, southern, eastern, and western regions.

Speaking to Punch on Monday, National Coordinator of the movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, accused the Federal Government of orchestrating hardship, insecurity, and repression of civil liberties.

He stated that the protest is not only a response to poor economic conditions but also a rejection of what the group describes as “authoritarian tendencies” under Tinubu.

“In Abuja, protesters will gather at Eagle Square from 8:00 am,” Sanyaolu said, giving precise details of meeting points across the country.

“In Lagos, there will be four convergence points: Maryland, Agbara, Badagry, and Toll Gate, all starting by 7:00 am,” he continued.

The protest itinerary includes:

Akure, Ondo State: Cathedral Junction at 8:00 am

Benin City, Edo State: Museum Ground at 9:00 am

Niger State: Gida Matasa at 8:00 am

Sanyaolu also revealed a series of coordinated protests in Delta State, listing over eight venues across the region.

These include:

Amukpe Roundabout, Sapele

Summit Junction and Koka Junction, Asaba

Otovwodo Junction, Ughelli

Effurun Roundabout, PTI Junction, and DSC Roundabout, Warri

Police Station Junction, Abraka

Other confirmed locations include:

Mokola Roundabout, Ibadan, Oyo State: 8:00 am

Kasuwan Gamboru Flyover, Borno State: 8:00 am

Olaiya Junction, Osogbo, Osun State

Juppu Jam Road, Yola, Adamawa State

Maiduguri Bypass Roundabout, Damaturu, Yobe State

Bauchi School of ACR (Yelewam Makaranta), Bauchi: 8:00 am

According to the group, the protests aim to reclaim democratic space, demand accountability, and push back against what it sees as worsening authoritarianism.

“We are using June 12 to exercise our democratic rights and draw attention to the abandonment of the people by this government,” said Sanyaolu.

He referenced Section 14(2)(b) of the Nigerian Constitution, which states that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.

“That promise has failed disastrously under President Tinubu,” he declared.

The group cited a recent Amnesty International report indicating that over 10,000 Nigerians have lost their lives to insecurity since the current government took office.

“In Benue State alone, more than 40,000 people have been displaced,” Sanyaolu said.

“In Plateau State, the displaced population is reportedly around 68,000,” he added.

He lamented that many Nigerians are suffering in silence as the government appears nonchalant to their plight.

Sanyaolu further alleged that civil rights are being trampled underfoot, with many critics of the government reportedly facing threats, arrest, or intimidation.

He stated, “Under Tinubu’s government, the civic space is shrinking, and dissenting voices are being silenced.”

The group urged Nigerians not to be afraid, emphasizing the legitimacy of protest as a constitutional right.

Sanyaolu warned security agencies against intimidating or attacking peaceful demonstrators.

“The right to protest is guaranteed by both the Nigerian Constitution and Supreme Court judgments,” he said.

He emphasized that security operatives have a duty to protect, not repress, citizens engaged in lawful assembly.

“The police must act as guardians of democracy, not agents of oppression,” Sanyaolu noted.

He appealed to Nigerians from all walks of life to rise and demand a change in governance and public accountability.

“Reclaim the soul of the country,” he urged.

“We must unite and act to end the suffering, the corruption, and the impunity,” he concluded.

The movement’s call comes amid a backdrop of growing public discontent over economic hardships, rising food prices, job losses, and insecurity.

The Federal Government recently arraigned several arrested protesters on charges bordering on treason and incitement.

According to Naija News, the state accused the individuals of attempting to overthrow the democratically elected government of President Tinubu.

The arrests have further fuelled national anger, with civil society groups describing the charges as a ploy to stifle dissent.

Critics argue that democracy is under threat as the administration appears increasingly intolerant of opposition voices and public protest.

For many Nigerians, the June 12 protests may mark a turning point in their quest to restore public trust in democratic values.

As Democracy Day approaches, the streets of Nigeria may once again echo with chants of resistance and cries for a better nation.

DDM will continue to monitor developments as they unfold nationwide.

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