The Take It Back Movement in Lagos has expressed concerns over a recent court order that restricts protesters to two designated locations in the Lagos metropolis. The movement views this order as an abuse of judicial privilege aimed at stifling freedom of association.
The Lagos High Court granted an ex parte application filed by the State’s Attorney General, Lawal Pedro, which seeks to restrict the proposed August 1 nationwide protest to Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park in Ojota and Peace Park in Ketu. This application was granted by Justice Emmanuel Ogundare on July 30, 2024.
In response, the movement held an emergency meeting and addressed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, asserting that the administration must ensure the safe transportation of protesters to and from the designated parks. Adekunle Adeyemi Taofeek, the Take It Back Movement Coordinator, stated, “The buses to be provided must be clean, safe, and air-conditioned.”
He emphasized that these buses should arrive at the designated convergence points by 6 a.m. and return protesters by 6 p.m. from August 1 to 10, 2024. The convergence points listed by the movement include Alausa Secretariat, Lekki Toll Gates, Ikorodu Bus Park, Okota Link Bridge, LASU Campus gates, Iyana Ipaja Underbridge, and Agege Pen Cinema, among others.
The movement warned that failure to provide the required transportation would compel protesters to march to the court-designated parks daily. Taofeek also advised the Lagos state government to prepare for the possibility of the protests extending beyond ten days, as the movement is determined to continue until their demands are met. He stressed the need for the administration to ensure the safety of bus operators by parking at a safe distance from rally and procession areas.
The Take It Back Movement’s letter concluded with a reminder for the administration to uphold the protesters’ rights and safety during the #EndBadGovernance actions, which the movement is committed to conducting in a peaceful and orderly manner.