#April7protest is trending in Nigeria due to an upcoming nationwide demonstration by the Take-It-Back (TIB) Movement. It is scheduled for April 7, 2025. This protest aims to address concerns over free speech suppression, Cybercrime Act misuse, and emergency rule in Rivers State. Therefore, organizers emphasize the need for citizens to stand against oppressive policies and demand their rights.
Furthermore, the TIB Movement has urged supporters to gather at strategic locations across Nigeria. These include the National Assembly in Abuja and Iwo Road in Ibadan, Oyo State. The protest in Ibadan will start at 8:00 AM. Protesters plan to march peacefully, chant slogans, and present demands to government representatives. As a result, many believe that this movement represents the voice of an increasingly frustrated population.
Moreover, reports indicate that the Department of State Services (DSS) is harassing activists linked to the protest. Omoyele Sowore, an activist, stated that a female coordinator in Lagos received a threatening phone call from the DSS. Consequently, protesters argue that intimidation tactics highlight the government’s unwillingness to tolerate dissent. In addition, human rights organizations have expressed concerns about these developments.
Similarly, Juwon Sanyaolu, the National Coordinator of the TIB Movement, emphasized that the primary demand of the #April7protest is repealing the Cybercrime Act. Protesters believe it suppresses free speech and silences critics. Additionally, the group also demands an end to emergency rule in Rivers State. They describe it as military control imposed by President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Other concerns include economic struggles, high inflation, and unemployment.
Beyond these demands, activists are also calling for broader reforms, including better governance, improved security, and policies that directly address youth unemployment. Many young Nigerians feel that their voices are often ignored, leading to growing frustration and repeated protests. Consequently, organizers have assured participants that the demonstration will remain peaceful, urging the government to respond constructively rather than through repression.
This protest follows previous youth-led demonstrations in Nigeria, such as the 2024 #EndBadGovernance protests. As a result, growing discontent highlights frustrations with governance, economic hardship, and civil liberties. Nigerian citizens continue to demand transparency, accountability, and a government that prioritizes their well-being. Ultimately, observers suggest that the response to #April7protest may set the tone for future interactions between the government and civil society.
Read More: Diaspora Lens
