The streets of Maitama, a highbrow district in Abuja, turned chaotic on Monday as officers of the Nigeria Police Force used tear gas to disperse demonstrators who had gathered peacefully to voice their concerns over pressing national issues. The protest, which was part of a coordinated nationwide action, was spearheaded by the Take-It-Back Movement in conjunction with other civil society organizations.

Eyewitness accounts confirmed that the use of force by the police disrupted what had been a calm and orderly march. Protesters, many of whom carried placards with bold inscriptions such as “Stop the Repression” and “Let Us Breathe”, were seen scattering in various directions, covering their faces and coughing as tear gas canisters filled the air.

National Discontent Spurs Nationwide Demonstration

The protest in Abuja is part of a broader wave of demonstrations across Nigeria, reflecting growing public frustration over multiple issues ranging from governance to economic decline. According to the organizers, the primary motivation behind the protest is to confront what they describe as increasing authoritarian tendencies of the current administration.

In a statement released last Friday, Juwon Sanyaolu, the National Coordinator of the Take-It-Back Movement, outlined the objectives of the protest. Among the top demands are

• An end to the misuse of the Cybercrime Act, which critics say is now being wielded as a weapon against free speech and dissent.

• Government intervention in the worsening economic crisis, with Nigerians facing skyrocketing inflation, food insecurity, and widespread unemployment.

• Immediate action on the political crisis in Rivers State, which organizers labelled a “state of emergency” due to growing instability and alleged government overreach.

Sanyaolu stressed that the demonstration was a call for accountability, transparency, and the protection of civil liberties in a democratic society.

Omoyele Sowore Joins Protesters in Solidarity

Adding weight to the demonstration was the presence of prominent human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore. A longtime critic of government oppression and an advocate for social justice, Sowore’s participation was both symbolic and strategic, galvanizing support and drawing media attention to the protest.

Dressed in his signature activist gear and surrounded by fellow demonstrators, Sowore was seen engaging with protesters and encouraging them to remain steadfast in their demands for a better Nigeria.

Sowore, who has himself faced numerous arrests and legal battles over his activism, reiterated his commitment to civil resistance and the constitutional right to protest. His presence reinforced the message that the protest was not merely political theater, but part of a larger movement to reclaim democratic space and push back against state repression.

Police Response Sparks Outrage and Criticism

The deployment of tear gas by the police has been widely criticized by civil society groups, legal experts, and human rights advocates. Many argue that the use of force against peaceful demonstrators not only undermines democratic principles but also risks escalating tensions and deepening mistrust between the public and law enforcement agencies.

Videos circulating online show protesters running for cover amid clouds of gas, while some collapsed from the inhalation. Though there were no confirmed reports of injuries or arrests at the time of this report, the atmosphere in the area remained highly tense, with visible police presence and heightened surveillance.

Human rights organizations have since issued statements condemning the police’s action, calling it a clear violation of freedom of assembly and expression, rights enshrined in Nigeria’s Constitution and protected under international law.

Cybercrime Act Under Fire: Tool for Order or Repression?

One of the protest’s central demands is the review and reform of the Cybercrime Act, which activists say is being used arbitrarily to clamp down on online critics, journalists, and activists. The Act, originally designed to combat online fraud and cyberbullying, has been cited in several controversial arrests, especially involving individuals critical of the government on social media platforms.

Activists allege that vague provisions in the law enable its weaponization against free speech, effectively criminalizing dissent under the guise of combating fake news or cyber harassment. Protesters called for an immediate suspension of the law’s enforcement until it is amended to align with democratic norms.

Economic Hardship: A Nation on the Brink

Beyond concerns over shrinking civic space, demonstrators also highlighted the crippling economic conditions affecting millions of Nigerians. Inflation has remained in double digits, food prices have soared, and the national currency—the naira—continues to depreciate despite government interventions.

Many of the protesters who spoke to journalists expressed deep frustration over the cost of living, which they say has reached unbearable levels. Some narrated personal stories of job loss, inability to afford basic goods, and a general sense of hopelessness.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, over 63% of Nigerians are multidimensionally poor, a statistic that underscores the severity of the economic crisis and fuels the urgency of the protest movement.

Crisis in Rivers State: A ‘State of Emergency’?

Another key issue raised during the protest was the political instability in Rivers State, which organizers described as a “state of emergency.” While the exact nature of the crisis was not fully elaborated during the protest, it likely refers to the ongoing power tussle between factions within the state’s political elite, which has led to legislative gridlocks and governance paralysis.

Activists argue that the federal government has not done enough to mediate the crisis or prevent it from spiraling into full-blown chaos. Some even warned that if left unchecked, the situation could trigger wider unrest and set a dangerous precedent for other states experiencing political tensions.

Call for Dialogue and Reform

As the protest came to a premature end due to the police crackdown, civil society leaders reiterated their call for dialogue and urgent reforms. They insisted that demonstrations like this one are essential for maintaining a healthy democracy and that the government must listen to the voices of its citizens rather than silence them.

The Take-It-Back Movement also announced plans to petition relevant human rights bodies and international organizations about the incident, urging them to hold the Nigerian government accountable for its handling of peaceful assemblies.

Conclusion: A Brewing Storm of Civil Discontent

Monday’s protest in Abuja was more than just another demonstration—it was a manifestation of the deepening frustration among Nigerians over the state of the nation. From economic despair and shrinking civil liberties to political instability and perceived authoritarianism, the issues raised by protesters are symptoms of a broader national malaise.

The police’s aggressive response, while not uncommon in Nigeria’s history of protest management, may only serve to inflame tensions rather than resolve them. As the country stands at a crossroads, voices from the streets continue to echo a powerful message: The people are watching, and they will not be silenced.