Osun State chapter of Bring It Back Movement has vowed to join in a peaceful nationwide protest to mark Democracy Day.
The planned protest is expected to begins by 8am at Osun NUj junction where protesters will march through the road to Olaiya area in Osogbo.
It will the a bold statement by citizens to demand true democratic governance.
At a press conference in Osogbo, the Osun State capital on Wednesday, the State coordinator of the Take It Back Movement, Mr Victor Lijofi lamented the suffering Nigerians are passing through over alleged bad leadership.
His words, “We are calling for leadership rooted in good governance, protection of human rights, free and fair elections, and accountability at all levels of government.”
“The state of our country today is disheartening. The promise of “Renewed Hope” made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has turned into a reality of renewed hopelessness.
” Insecurity has worsened, and economic hardship now grips every corner of Nigeria.
‘Banditry, terrorism, and general flawlessness have dismantled the social and economic life of millions. From Borno to Yobe, Zamfara to Plateau, and from Kaduna to Benue, Katsina, and Sokoto, the bloodshed continues. In just two years, over 10,000 lives have been lost, and more than one million Nigerians displaced due to terrorism and banditry.
“Economically, the situation is no better. The last two years under APC rule have plunged Nigerians into deep poverty. The majority can no longer meet their basic daily needs. Corruption and greed continue to define leadership, while over 100 million Nigerians now live below the poverty line, struggling with poor access to healthcare, quality education, and decent living standards.
“Osun State is not exempt. While the PDP-led state government claims to be people-centered, the reality on the ground tells a different story.
“No meaningful recruitment of teachers has been completed in the last year. The Amotekun Corps has morphed into an oppressive tool harassing innocent citizens.
“Housing remains inaccessible, and the closure of Local Government Secretariats continues to choke grassroots development. Instead of being a beacon of relief, the state government mirrors the dysfunction at the federal level.
“This is why June 12, Democracy Day, holds deep significance for us. It is a moment to make history, to raise our voices against bad governance, and to demand a better future.
‘Osun State Chapter, of the movement will participate in the nationwide protest beginning opposite the NUJ Correspondence Chapel, near Ola-Iya Junction, Osogbo. Our demands are clear and urgent’
The movement demanded the following
1. End terrorism, banditry, and insecurity across Nigeria.
2. Adequately fund education: Reverse all public school fees and provide student grants instead of loans.
3. End the economic hardship: Reintroduce subsidies for fuel, electricity, and essential food items.
4. Stop police brutality and illegal arrests.
5. Put an end to the rising burden of foreign loans.
6. Repeal the oppressive Cybercrime Act and uphold the right to free speech.
7. Reverse the hike in fuel prices and electricity tariffs.
On the governoment of Osun State, the group urged the government of Governor Ademola Adeleke to stop alleger harassment and abuse of citizens by the Amotekun Corps.
Other demands are that the state government should
– stop extortion by housing agents,
– reopen Local Government Secretariats,
– address the stalled recruitment of teachers and
– improve funding for public education.
Lijofi said, “As we prepare for the June 12 protest, we issue a strong warning to the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies: do not attempt to suppress or intimidate peaceful protesters.
” Peaceful assembly is a constitutional right protected by Sections 39 and 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). Your duty is to protect, not provoke. Should any harm come to protesters before, during, or after the demonstration, we will hold the Police Force fully responsible.
“We extend our sincere appreciation to the members of the press. Your commitment to truth, your courage in exposing injustice, and your role in amplifying the voices of the people are vital to the democratic journey. Your work continues to challenge impunity and illuminate the path to a more just and accountable Nigeria.”
