The organizers of the planned hunger protest in Abuja, the Take It Back Movement, have reaffirmed their intention to use Eagle Square for their demonstration on August 1, despite Minister Nyesom Wike’s conditions. The group had requested the use of the square, as well as security and utilities, in a letter to the minister.
However, Wike stated that protesters must apply properly and pay security costs for their event. He noted that the group had only applied through social media and television appearances.
In response, the group’s Director of Mobilization, Damilare Adenola, asserted that Eagle Square is public property and that the minister cannot deny them access. He also stated that the group cannot afford the exorbitant security fee requested by Wike.
Adenola acknowledged a delay in delivering the letter to Wike due to government bureaucracy but ensured that the minister would receive it by Monday, ahead of the protest. The group remains determined to proceed with the protest, citing the right to peaceful assembly.