Tensions are high nationwide as the Take-It-Back (TIB) Movement insists on holding protests today against the Cybercrime Act and the Federal Government’s imposition of emergency rule in Rivers State, despite police opposition.

The protests, billed as a response to bad governance and suppression of free speech, are scheduled to hold in major cities including Lagos, Ibadan, and Port Harcourt. Organisers say the protests aim to compel the repeal of the Cybercrime Act and challenge what they describe as President Bola Tinubu’s “military-style” governance in Rivers.

TIB National Coordinator, Juwon Sanyaolu, stressed that citizens must resist authoritarianism. AAC presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, also threw his weight behind the protest, calling for mass participation across regions over various grievances, including hunger, repression, and local injustices.

Amnesty International urged the government to respect citizens’ rights to peaceful protest, warning against any crackdown. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and civil society groups such as JAF and MSA echoed similar support, describing any attempt to criminalise protests as a threat to democracy.

However, police authorities described the protest as “ill-timed” and “mischievous,” citing security concerns as it coincides with an official police celebration involving foreign dignitaries. The Lagos Police Command issued an alert to secure key locations, warning that the protest may be hijacked by criminal elements.

Despite police reservations, organisers say the protest will proceed unless their demands are met — chiefly the repeal of the Cybercrime Act and restoration of constitutional order in Rivers State.