We Know Who's Behind The #EndBadGovernance Protest - PDP Speaks Out

Protesters Gear Up for a Nationwide Movement Against Poor Leadership

Listen up, folks. The organizers behind the 2024 #EndBadGovernance protest are gearing up for what they’re calling a nationwide demonstration. This one is set to take place on April 7, 2025, and it’s got a serious message: an end to the emergency rule in Rivers State and the misuse of the Cybercrime Act that many believe is being used to stifle free speech. This isn’t just a local issue; it’s a nationwide call to action.

This protest is tagged the “Nationwide Protest Against Bad Governance and Free Speech Suppression.” And if you’ve been paying attention, you know the stakes are high. A flyer shared on 𝕏 by the Take It Back (TIB) Movement—one of the key groups behind last year’s protests—is already making waves. It’s inviting supporters to come together at the National Assembly in Abuja, the heart of Nigeria’s political scene.

The protest isn’t just about making noise; it’s about demanding real change. Protesters are shining a spotlight on President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State and the alleged misuse of the Cybercrime Act by the police. They argue that the Act is being weaponized to target activists, journalists, and social media influencers. This is about more than just politics—it’s about people’s voices being heard.

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Two Key Demands: Repeal the Act and End Emergency Rule

Juwon Sanyaolu, the National Coordinator of the TIB Movement, sat down with Punch to break it all down. He emphasized that the protest will focus on two major demands: the repeal of the Cybercrime Act and the end of the emergency rule in Rivers State. It’s not just about one law or one decision—it’s about the bigger picture of governance and accountability.

Sanyaolu was clear in his message: “The Cybercrime Act has been used as a tool to silence free speech. Journalists, activists, and even social media users like SeaKing have been frequent targets under this law.” He went on to explain the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, calling for the reversal of President Tinubu’s decision to declare emergency rule. This move, made on March 18, 2025, came after a bitter feud between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly, which remains loyal to former governor Nyesom Wike.

Despite the controversy, the National Assembly has thrown its support behind President Tinubu. Critics, however, argue that this move violates the Nigerian constitution. Sanyaolu reiterated the protesters’ demands: “We want all suspended government organs reinstated, including the State House of Assembly, the Executive, and all relevant authorities. It’s time for democracy to work the way it’s supposed to.”

The Bigger Picture: Ending Bad Governance

But the protest isn’t just about Rivers State or the Cybercrime Act. Sanyaolu made it clear that the fight is against bad governance as a whole. “The policies of this administration, especially under President Tinubu, have caused immense suffering for Nigerians. We’re calling for accountability and transparency in leadership.”

While the protest’s epicenter will be Abuja, it’s not limited to the capital. Sanyaolu hinted that additional protest locations across the country will be announced soon, ensuring that voices from every corner of Nigeria are heard loud and clear.

Police Deny Allegations of Free Speech Suppression

On the flip side, the Nigerian Police Force has denied accusations of targeting journalists and suppressing press freedom using the Cybercrime Act. Police spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi addressed these claims in a video posted on Facebook last month. He emphasized that the police are not engaged in a witch hunt against critics of the government.

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“The Nigeria Police Force is not using the Cybercrime Act to target anyone for criticizing the government or its officials,” Adejobi stated. “We arrest and prosecute individuals who spread falsehoods, fake news, and misinformation. It’s crucial to verify your stories and ensure balance before posting them online.”

Despite the police’s assurances, many journalists and media figures remain skeptical. Last year, prominent figures like Segun Olatunji, former editor of First News, and Dayo Aiyetan, Executive Director of the International Centre for Investigative Reporting, faced repercussions under the Act. This has only fueled concerns about the increasing use of the law to silence dissenting voices.

As tensions rise, one thing is certain: the upcoming protest on April 7, 2025, will be a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s ongoing struggle for good governance and freedom of expression. Will the voices of the people be heard? Only time will tell.