A massive protest against bad governance and free speech suppression is set to take place across Nigeria on April 7, 2025. The demonstration, organized by the Take It Back (TIB) Movement and other activists, aims to oppose the emergency rule in Rivers State and the alleged misuse of the Cybercrime Act to silence journalists and activists.
According to Juwon Sanyaolu, the National Coordinator of TIB, the protest will focus on two key demands: repealing the Cybercrime Act and reversing the emergency rule imposed by President Bola Tinubu. Protesters are expected to gather at the National Assembly in Abuja, with more locations to be announced. The declaration of emergency rule on March 18 followed a political crisis between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and lawmakers loyal to former governor Nyesom Wike. Critics argue the move is unconstitutional, while the National Assembly supports it.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Police Force has denied allegations of suppressing free speech, insisting that the Cybercrime Act is only used to tackle misinformation. Despite this, many journalists and media figures claim the law is being used to silence critics. As the protest date approaches, anticipation is growing over how authorities will respond to the demonstrations.