In WhatsApp talks shared with Saharan Porters, the Delta state coordinator of TIB made their intention clear to continue with the protest, which they believe is aimed at expressing public dissatisfaction with the ongoing management issues of Nigeria. The Take-It-Back (TIB) movement returned to the Delta State Police Command after a tense exchange between the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) and the group’s state coordinator in a confrontation over the upcoming nationwide protest planned for April 7. In WhatsApp talks shared with Saharararareports, Tib’s Delta state coordinator has their intention to pronounce, which expresses the protest march, who said they expressed it to speak out. Dissatisfaction with the continued management issues of Nigeria. However, the Deputy Commissioner of the Delta Police Commissioner, who seems to confirm control over protest regulations, warned that the demonstration could only occur if it was officially approved by the Commissioner of Police (CP). In the exchange, the Tib Delta coordinator wrote: ‘Okay Sir, we organize for the protest on April 7 and I just want to inform you as chief safety officer that I have seen that you are very intelligent and with the citizens’ rights.’ The cordial tone moved quickly as the DCP strictly replied: “Don’t try anything unless you write to the CP. Don’t try it until you get official approval.” The TIB coordinator did not return and said: “With all due respect, Sir, you cannot tell citizens not to try to protest unless the CP approves. In a fixed rebuttal, the coordinator continued: “During the last protest, I studied you and felt that you were an intelligent officer, but it made your answer reconsider me. We should not allow democracy to break down dictatorship, because we will somehow become victims.” The conversation escalated when the Deputy Commissioner answered by claiming his authority: “Meet the new commander of the area. I am now promoted to police deputy commissioner. I recommend following you to follow the law.” The coordinator acknowledged the DCP’s promotion, but maintained his position on the matter and replied: ‘Congratulations, Sir. Your promotion is well deserved, but you know what I say is the truth. The law is bore and is now interpreted to match the agendas of politicians. ‘ The exchange highlights growing tensions between the TIB movement and the police, as the group promises to continue the planned protest, citing their constitutional right to peaceful meeting. Meanwhile, the Lagos State Police Command, on his part, issued an order to all commanders and officers within his jurisdiction, who warned them about a planned nationwide protest march scheduled on April 7, 2025. Police have claimed that it follows intelligence reports preparing some groups under the Goise of Civil Society Organizations (CSOS) to achieve protests over Nigeria. According to a circular signed by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Tijani O. Fatai, the protest is expected to draw attention to what the organizers describe as the prevailing high cost of living and the suppression of the government of free speech. The circular reads: “Intelligence report on the assignment of the assignment reveals a plan by some undermining groups that deceive themselves as organizations in civil society (CSOs) and others against government forces, to strive nationwide protests on April 7, 2025, aimed at the government’s lead and the living and free speech suppression.” To win public sympathy, discredit the government and provide support for the protest. Experience has shown that criminals may want to seize the opportunity of the protest march to cause chaos, especially to launch attacks on government facilities and opposition leaders to disrupt, among other things, socio-economic activities in the state. “As a result, the Police Commissioner ordered that security measures around critical installations and other strategic locations across the state should be snapped up to prevent any improper development before, during and after the proposed protest.”
April 7 Protest: Take-It-Back Movement tackles Delta Police Command for the subjugation of the constitutional right of Nigerians on CP’s approval
