The Take It Back Movement (TIB), known for its strong stance against bad governance in Nigeria, has announced a massive one-million-man protest scheduled for Saturday, August 10, 2024. This protest will be held simultaneously in all 36 states of Nigeria, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, marking a significant moment in the ongoing fight for better governance in the country.
In a statement released on Thursday, August 8, 2024, by Mr. Sanyaolu Juwon, the National Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement, it was revealed that this protest is a continuation of the “End Bad Governance” campaign, which initially kicked off on August 1, 2024. Originally planned as a 10-day event, the campaign has quickly gained momentum, transforming into a widespread and sustained movement with participants joining from every corner of Nigeria as well as from the diaspora.
The Objectives of the Protest
The primary goal of the one-million-man protest is to draw national and international attention to the severe hardships facing Nigerians. With rising inflation, unemployment, corruption, and insecurity plaguing the country, the protest seeks to compel the government at all levels—federal, state, and local—to take immediate and decisive action to address these pressing issues.
According to Mr. Juwon, the protest will serve as a critical juncture in the “End Bad Governance in Nigeria” campaign. The movement’s organizers believe that a demonstration of this magnitude, occurring simultaneously across all states and the FCT, will send a powerful message to those in power that the citizens of Nigeria demand real change.
Widespread Support and Participation
The Take It Back Movement, alongside other activist groups and organizations, has been at the forefront of mobilizing Nigerians for this protest. Since the start of the campaign on August 1, 2024, there has been an outpouring of support from various civil society organizations, youth groups, and everyday Nigerians who are fed up with the status quo.
The protest has also garnered significant attention from Nigerians living abroad, many of whom have expressed solidarity with the movement. These diasporic supporters have been active on social media, helping to amplify the campaign’s message and calling on international bodies to pay attention to the plight of Nigerians.
The Significance of August 10
As the protest draws nearer, the anticipation is building. August 10, 2024, is expected to be a day of massive turnout, with millions of Nigerians taking to the streets to peacefully demand accountability and transparency from their leaders. The one-million-man protest is not just a call for immediate relief from the hardships; it is also a broader call for systemic change in Nigeria’s governance structures.
Participants are expected to carry placards, chant slogans, and engage in various forms of peaceful demonstration. The organizers have emphasized the importance of maintaining non-violence during the protest to ensure the safety of all involved and to keep the focus on the movement’s demands.
Looking Forward
As the August 10 protest approaches, the eyes of the nation—and indeed the world—are on Nigeria. The Take It Back Movement, along with its supporters, remains committed to ensuring that this protest marks a turning point in the struggle against bad governance in Nigeria. The success of this protest could very well determine the next steps for the movement and its fight for a better Nigeria.
With millions expected to participate, the one-million-man protest is poised to be one of the largest demonstrations in Nigeria’s recent history, potentially shaping the country’s political landscape for years to come. The message is clear: Nigerians are no longer willing to endure the hardships imposed by ineffective and corrupt leadership, and they are ready to take a stand to reclaim their country.