The conveners of the 2024 #Endbadgovernance protest have taken a stand against the emergency rule imposed in Rivers State and the alleged misuse of the Cybercrime Act by the police to target activists, journalists, and social media influencers. According to a flyer shared on social media by the Take It Back Movement, the protest is scheduled for April 7, 2025, under the theme “Nationwide Protest Against Bad Governance and Free Speech Suppression,” with supporters urged to gather at the National Assembly in Abuja.
In an interview with a correspondent, the National Coordinator of the TIB, Juwon Sanyaolu, emphasized the demand for the repeal of the Cybercrime Act, citing concerns about its use to stifle free speech, particularly targeting journalists, activists, and social media users. Additionally, Sanyaolu highlighted the protest’s call for an end to the emergency rule in Rivers State, which was initiated by President Bola Tinubu amidst a political crisis between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly aligned with ex-governor Nyesom Wike.
The decision to impose emergency rule in Rivers State has sparked controversy, with some questioning its constitutionality, while others, including the National Assembly, have supported President Bola Tinubu’s actions. Despite the backlash, Sanyaolu reiterated the protesters’ stance against bad governance and the adverse impact of certain policies implemented by Tinubu’s government, which have reportedly exacerbated the plight of citizens.
Furthermore, the protest organizers clarified that the demonstration is not limited to Abuja, indicating that additional protest locations will be announced soon to broaden the nationwide scope of the event. The police, on the other hand, have maintained that they are not targeting journalists or restricting press freedom under the amended Cybercrime Act of 2024, despite instances of crackdowns on media professionals in recent years.
Last year, several journalists, including Segun Olatunji, Daniel Ojukwu, Dayo Aiyetan, and Nurudeen Akewushola, fell victim to the enforcement of the contentious Cybercrime Act, facing charges related to spreading false information and defamation online. In response, the force spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, clarified in a video statement on Facebook that the police’s actions were aimed at curbing the spread of falsehoods and misinformation, rather than targeting individuals for criticizing the government or law enforcement authorities.
As the #Endbadgovernance protest gains momentum and garners support from various segments of society, the ongoing debate over free speech, governance issues, and the enforcement of cyber laws continues to fuel discussions and calls for reform within Nigeria’s political landscape.