A human rights group identified as the “Take It Back Movement” hit the streets of Lagos State on Monday to protest against the soaring price of food and the high cost of living in the country.
“The purpose of this protest was to voice opposition to the warning that Lagos State Commissioner of Police Adegoke Fayoade issued on Sunday.
Protesters Promise to be Peaceful
“He claims that the police will see to it that the appropriate procedures are followed to protect Lagosians’ lives and property, noting that they are aware of certain individuals’ plans to protest in the state.
“Nothing, he emphasised, would obstruct the free flow of traffic or a tranquil setting that would allow locals to perform their legal obligations.
Jerrymusa.com reports that in Ojuelegba, the state’s under-the-bridge area, demonstrators were observed carrying banners with varied inscriptions to voice their complaints over the nation’s current economic difficulty.
The TIB National Coordinator, Juwon Sanyaolu, told our correspondent that the demonstration was a manifestation of the populace’s determination to resist oppressive trends and adversity.
“Yes, Lagosians refused to back down in the face of police attempts to agitate the populace. The money that taxpayers pay the police is intended to keep us safe.
“From Yaba Labour House, we managed to march to Maryland. Tomorrow, the protest will go on, and updates will be provided.
“In order to relieve the suffering brought on by the ruling class, we will join the NLC in their nationwide mass action,” Sanyaolu continued.
“The Tinubu-led government must immediately reverse the removal of fuel subsidies, the floating of the naira, and other policies of the International Monetary Fund imposed on Nigerians,” stated Sanyaolu in a statement outlining their demands.
Participants in the demonstration included members of many civil society organisations, including the Coalition for Revolution and the Joint Action Front.
The demonstrators were being followed by police officers in vans and members of the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps.