The Take-It-Back movement, one of the organizers of the recent 10-day nationwide protest in Nigeria, has vowed to relaunch the protest on October 1 if their demands are not fully addressed.
Despite increasing human rights abuses and crackdown on opposition, the movement’s Director of Mobilisation, Damilare Adenola, confirmed that their strategy and objectives remain unchanged.
Speak with Africa Health Report, (AHR), in an exclusive interview, Adenola cited the example of labour leaders being accused of trumped-up charges to silence them, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to mobilizing Nigerians against dehumanization and hardship. He warned that the movement would not be deterred, saying “the protest will be total”.
In his words, “Our strategy has remained the same – to mobilise Nigerians against the dehumanization and hardship in the country. We are seeing a lot of human rights abuse and crackdown on opposition.
“For example, labour leaders are being accused of trumped-up charges to silence them. But we are not relenting, the protest will be total.”
Asked about the fate of many people arrested and detained by the police during the last protest, Adenola expressed optimism that efforts to secure the release of over a thousand detained protesters will soon yield positive results.
He stressed that the movement’s legal team, along with Femi Falana, SAN, is “tirelessly” working towards their release.
“Our legal team is working round the clock along with Femi Falana, SAN to release them. I am very sure that very soon our efforts will yield a positive result in that direction.” Adenola said.
Adenola stated that he is “very sure” that the team’s efforts will soon pay off, bringing relief to families and supporters of the detainees.
The Take-It-Back movement’s threat to relaunch protests on October 1 indicates a large-scale demonstration is imminent, unless their demands are met.
