Twenty-four hours to the labour organized protest, a human rights group identified as the “Take It Back Movement” on Monday has led mass protest on the streets of Lagos State against the hard times Nigerians are currently experiencing.
Members of other civil society organisations such as the Joint Action Front and the Coalition for Revolution also joined the protest
The protester stormed the street defying the warning issued by the Department of State Security and the Police against the protest. The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, on Sunday gave the warning.
The protesters were seen carrying placards of various inscriptions at Ojuelegba under the bridge area of the state to make their grievances known on the current economic hardship across the country.
The TIB National Coordinator, Juwon Sanyaolu, said the protest was a demonstration of the people’s will against oppressive tendencies and hardship.
“Yes, despite police attempts to frustrate the people, Lagosians stood their ground. The police are paid by taxpayers’ money; they are meant to secure us.
“We were able to match from Yaba Labour House to Maryland. The protest will continue tomorrow and updates will be given. We will join NLC in their nationwide mass action to put an end to this hardship created by the ruling elite,” Sanyaolu added.
Stating their demands, Sanyaolu said, “The Tinubu-led government must immediately reverse the fuel subsidy removal, the floating of naira and other policies of the International Monetary Fund imposed on Nigerians.”
Police officers with vans and officers of the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps were also seen following the protesters.
The CP said the police are aware of the plan by some people to protest in the state and will ensure that necessary measures are put in place for the safety of the lives and property of Lagosians.
He said nothing would hinder the free flow of traffic or a peaceful environment to let residents carry out their lawful duties.
