#EndBadGovernance Organisers Propose Virtual Meeting With Police Ahead Of October 1 Protest

The Take It Back (TIB) Movement has proposed a virtual meeting with the Lagos State Police Command, citing logistical challenges for an in-person meeting. This proposal was conveyed in a letter sent by the group’s legal representatives, Inibehe Effiong Chambers, on Wednesday to Assistant Commissioner of Police, Jaiyeoba Joseph, of the State Intelligence Department. The letter was a response to an invitation issued by the Lagos Police Command for a meeting with key members of the TIB, including its National Coordinator, Sanyaolu Juwon, to discuss “issues of national interest.”

The police had initially extended the invitation on Tuesday, requesting that members of the TIB meet with the new Commissioner of Police, Olanrewaju Ishola, to deliberate on pressing matters, including the group’s planned protest on October 1, 2024. This protest, branded as ‘FearlessInOctober,’ is aimed at addressing various societal issues, including the ongoing economic hardship, inflation, and fuel scarcity, which have significantly impacted Nigerians.

Sources within the TIB Movement, who requested anonymity, raised concerns that the in-person meeting could be a trap to arrest key members of the organization. These fears were sparked by recent tensions between civil society groups and law enforcement authorities. However, Benjamin Hundeyin, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, dismissed these concerns, confirming that the meeting would be amicable and that there was no intention of arresting anyone.

Despite the police’s assurances, the TIB’s legal counsel explained that the short notice of the invitation, combined with the fact that several executive members were currently out of Lagos, made it difficult to attend a physical meeting. In their letter, the legal team proposed a virtual meeting as a more practical alternative, allowing all necessary participants to join remotely and contribute to the discussions. The letter also indicated that the group was open to rescheduling the meeting for early October if a physical meeting was deemed necessary.

The planned October 1 protest by the TIB is expected to draw attention to the economic struggles faced by Nigerians, particularly inflation and fuel shortages. The protest’s tagline, ‘FearlessInOctober,’ reflects the movement’s commitment to addressing these issues head-on. Organizers hope to mobilize widespread support from citizens frustrated by the current economic conditions, advocating for better governance and accountability.

The TIB has a history of activism and has frequently engaged with issues of governance, human rights, and social justice in Nigeria. The group has been at the forefront of protests against poor governance, advocating for a fairer and more equitable society. This upcoming protest is expected to be a continuation of the group’s efforts to challenge the government on its policies, particularly as they affect the average Nigerian.

As the proposed virtual meeting between the TIB and Lagos Police Command hangs in the balance, it remains to be seen how both parties will navigate the sensitive discussions around the upcoming protest. While the TIB has expressed its readiness to engage with the police constructively, concerns over potential arrests remain. The police, on the other hand, have maintained that the meeting is purely for dialogue, with no ulterior motives.

This development underscores the complex relationship between activist movements and law enforcement in Nigeria. As the country grapples with economic hardship and widespread discontent, the role of civil society in holding the government accountable becomes increasingly important. The TIB’s proposed protest on October 1 is just one example of how groups are using peaceful demonstrations to voice their concerns and demand change in a challenging socio-economic climate.

The outcome of the meeting, whether virtual or physical, could have a significant impact on the direction of the protest and the broader conversation around governance in Nigeria. As Nigerians continue to struggle with inflation, fuel shortages, and other economic challenges, movements like TIB provide a platform for citizens to express their frustrations and call for solutions.