Debate Over Free Speech and Governance Is Sparked by a National Protest Ibadan

Activists in Nigeria are getting ready for a nationwide demonstration organized by the Take-It-Back (TIB) Movement, and the hashtag #April7Protest is trending on Twitter. 

The protest, which is scheduled for April 7, 2025, has grown into a gathering place for people who want the government to stop what they say is its mismanagement and suppression of free speech.

 The protest's organizers have outlined a number of demands, the most important of which is the repeal of the contentious Cybercrime Act. According to activists, the Act has been misused to silence activists, journalists, and everyday people on social media. 

Juwon Sanyaolu, the National Coordinator of the TIB Movement, stated, "The law is being used as a tool to suppress dissent and limit freedom of expression." The protest aims to pressure authorities into ending the state of emergency in Rivers State in addition to calling for the repeal of the Cybercrime Act. 

Human rights advocates have expressed widespread concern following the emergency that resulted in the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the entire House of Assembly. The protest organizers call for the immediate resumption of the government bodies that have been suspended because they see the situation as resembling military rule.

 Social media platforms have seen widespread distribution of protest-promoting flyers, which has fueled discussion and support for the movement. On April 7, a gathering of participants is anticipated at Iwo Road in Ibadan at 8:00 a.m., and similar demonstrations are anticipated in other major cities across the nation. 

Although representatives of the government have not yet commented on the plans for the protest, the activities of the movement have already intensified public debate regarding Nigeria's approach to free speech and governance. Both supporters and opponents of the protest are keeping a close eye on developments that could have long-lasting effects on the political landscape of the nation as the date of the protest draws closer.