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Democracy Day: Tension rises as protesters mobilise for mass action nationwide

….As Take It Back Protesters gather.
A clash between protesters and security operatives looms today, Thursday, June 12, as the Take It Back Movement, the rally organisers, has resolved to carry out a demonstration at the National Assembly, Abuja and 19 other locations across the country during the June 12 celebrations.
President Bola Tinubu addresses a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives today as part of Democracy Day activities, setting the stage for a combustible situation, reports The PUNCH.
Tinubu had cancelled the previously scheduled nationwide broadcast in commemoration of Nigeria’s 26th Democracy Day anniversary.
The Director of Information and Public Relations, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, in a statement on Wednesday, attributed the change to the President’s scheduled attendance at a joint session of the National Assembly today.
He added that the president would instead deliver his Democracy Day address directly from the National Assembly chambers.
“Due to President Bola Tinubu’s scheduled attendance at the National Assembly Joint Session, the Presidential National Broadcast on June 12 has been cancelled.
President Tinubu will deliver his address from the National Assembly,” Imohiosen said.
On the heels of the planned nationwide rallies, the police and other security agencies have beefed up security across the country.
The protest organisers confirmed to our correspondent their intention to take their campaign against economic hardship to the political leaders.
The group earlier planned to rally against the tough reforms implemented by the Tinubu administration at Eagle Square, but later announced a change of venue.
The protest, which is expected to draw participants from various civil society groups, is aimed at dragging attention to what the organisers described as “two years of misrule, hardship, and insecurity” under Tinubu’s government.
Speaking yesterday, National Coordinator, Take It Back Movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, said the shift in protest location did not alter the objective of the demonstration.
“That we earlier said the protest would hold at the Eagle Square doesn’t foreclose the fact that Nigerians cannot organise themselves at the National Assembly to protest the two years of misrule under Tinubu,” Sanyaolu said.“
The unprecedented hardship and insecurity we have experienced under his government are alarming. So, Nigerians will be turning out nationwide to protest against this, and the National Assembly is one of those spaces where Nigerians can exercise their constitutional rights.
We are encouraging Nigerians to move there in their numbers tomorrow (today).”
Sanyaolu cited rising poverty, rampant insecurity, and lack of democratic accountability as key grievances.
“All Nigerians from different walks of life have been mobilised, Nigerians are coming to the streets tomorrow (today) to demand an end to bad governance.“
Nigerians have nothing to lose. Nigerians have been beaten and battered. We are like people who are on the ground; we should have no fear of falling. It is also their constitutional right to protest.
“They have no reason to fear. The worst has happened, and the only way to stop the escalating level of our sorrow, tears and blood they are witnessing is to actually do something by protesting tomorrow. We have nothing to fear and we have nothing to lose but our chains.”
The activist said despite the attacks on some coordinators in Lagos, Gombe, Bauchi and Edo, among others, the protest would go on as scheduled.
“Presently, there has been a nationwide attack on organisers, but we are not deterred. The Bauchi state executives of TIB are being hounded by the police.
“In Gombe, Cross-River, Edo and Lagos, our coordinators are being hounded. We are convinced the only way to end the era of worse governance is defiance; that is what we are going to be doing fearlessly,” he noted.
Sanyaolu, however, cautioned security agencies, particularly police, against arresting or violating the rights of citizens to protest.
The Director of Mobilisation for the protest in the Federal Capital Territory, Michael Adenola, said the movement had gained momentum among young Nigerians who are angered by the worsening economic conditions and government neglect.“
Preparations are in order. Many Nigerian youths, who have expressed frustration over the spate of killings in the country, mass unemployment, and underfunded education, have shown commitment to participate in the protest.“
Other civil society organisations have also committed to mobilising their members. Expect thousands on the streets of Abuja.”
Adenola also cautioned the security agencies to respect the constitutional rights of protesters and refrain from using force.
“Again and again, men of our security agencies have shown themselves to be uncivilised by attacking protesters unprovoked. Our call to them is to at least pretend they are civilised.
“There is no reason to bring lethal weapons to the protest grounds. Take them to Sambisa or Plateau State to combat the real insecurity, not against protesters who are civilly demanding their rights,” he added.
When asked about the police plan to manage the protest, the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, referred our correspondent to the FCT Police Command, Josephine Adeh.
However, Adeh did not respond to calls or messages as of the time of filing this report but he FCT Commissioner of Police, Adewale Ajao, assured law-abiding citizens of protection during the protest.
He said, “We are still on engagement and discussion, until then, we won’t know. We want to advise all law-abiding citizens that they should go about their lawful businesses without harassment from anybody. We urge Nigerians to be orderly. Everybody’s right must be respected.”
Meanwhile, Sanyaolu said the protest would take place in at least 20 locations nationwide.
“In Abuja, we will converge at Eagle Square by 8.00 am. In Lagos, we have four locations: Badagry, Maryland, Agbara, and Toll Gate, all starting by 7am.
“In Akure, Ondo State, we will gather at Cathedral Junction by 8am, and in Benin City, Edo State, at the Museum Ground by 9am. In Niger State, the venue is Gida Matasa at 8am.“
In Yobe, we will meet at the Maiduguri Bypass Roundabout in Damaturu by 7:30am, while in Oyo State, it is Mokola Roundabout in Ibadan by 8am.
“In Bauchi, the protest will be held opposite the Bauchi School of ACR, Yelewam Makaranta, by 8 am.
In Osun State, it will be at Olaiya Junction in Osogbo,” Sanyaolu explained.
News
Masobe Books to Publish Groundbreaking Essay Collection by Dr. Dakuku Peterside on Nigeria

Masobe Books, a leading publisher of Nigerian literature, today announced the upcoming release of a highly anticipated essay collection by Dr. Dakuku Peterside, a prominent figure in Nigerian public life.
The collection, which is titled: Beneath the Surface: Essays on Nigeria’s Chequered Journey, a powerful new work by renowned columnist and public policy expert, Dr. Dakuku Peterside.
Dr. Peterside, known for his contributions to policy, economics, and thought leadership, has compiled a series of essays exploring a range of critical issues facing the nation.
The collection is expected to delve into topics such as governance, economic development, social justice, national unity, security challenges, the future of democracy, and the role of youth.
“We are incredibly excited to be publishing Dr. Peterside’s work,” said [Name and Title of a Masobe Books representative, ideally the publisher].
“His deep understanding of Nigeria, combined with his clear and articulate writing style, makes this collection essential reading for anyone interested in the country’s present and future.”
Masobe Books anticipates that the collection will appeal to a broad audience, including policymakers, academics, students, and the general public.
Slated for publication in October 2025 under the publisher’s Makere imprint, the book promises to spark critical conversations about Nigeria’s past, present, and future.
Further details, including the title of the collection and planned promotional events, will be announced in the coming weeks.
Dr. Dakuku Peterside has a distinguished career, having served as a former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), a former member of the House of Representatives.
He is widely respected for his expertise and contributions to national discourse.
The essay collection offers a panoramic exploration of Nigeria’s complex landscape—its economy, governance, youth energy, leadership challenges, and international standing.
Described as a “360-degree perspective” on the country’s evolving narrative, the book digs deep into the nation’s layered experiences and contradictions.
The book has already received high praise from thought leaders. Renowned Kenyan scholar, Professor P.L.O. Lumumba, hailed it as “a manual that every conscientious person in authority should read.”
Bishop Matthew Kukah called it “a window for future exploration of the options for a new Nigeria,” while Prof. Kyari Mohammed declared it “a must read for policy makers, academics and the general reader.”
Masobe Books has announced plans for formal launch events in Lagos and Abuja to accompany the book’s international and local release.
This marks Dr. Peterside’s third major publication, following Strategic Turnaround and Leading in a Storm.
For inquiries and updates, the public is encouraged to contact Theresa Ominiabohs at Masobe Books or visit www.masobebooks.com.
The publisher can also be followed on Instagram and Twitter via @masobebooksng.
News
MTN, Airtel, IHS Towers Rev up FG’s 3MTT programme by N5bn
“This kind of collaboration is what drives our vision of building a future-ready workforce and positioning Nigeria as a net exporter of technical talent,” said Tijani.

Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, said that MTN Nigeria made a cumulative N3 billion contribution to support the federal government’s 3MTT programme.
3MTT is an acronym for 3 Million Technical Talent, a bold initiative and a critical component of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda which is aimed at developing a local pool of technical talent for the country and the global tech ecosystem.
Tijani also disclosed that previously, the Airtel Africa Foundation had contributed N1 billion to support the same programme, while infrastructure service provider, IHS Tower, has entered an agreement worth another N1 billion with the Ministry to build learning communities across the nation for the 3MTT programme.
“This kind of collaboration is what drives our vision of building a future-ready workforce and positioning Nigeria as a net exporter of technical talent,” said Tijani.
He explained:” The tech talent will be trained in cohorts. The program started with 30, 000 Nigerians, which was one percent of the 3 million target, while another 270,000 were later selected for the second cohort to bring the number to 10 percent.
The 3 Million Tech Talent will be trained in areas of speciality including: Digital Marketing, Project Management Software, Cloud Platforms Navigation, Data Analysis and Visualisation, Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), CRM Management, Accounting Software, Graphics Design and UX/UI Design, among others.
News
BREAKING: Many feared dead in Lagos building collapse

A three-storey building today collapsed on Lagos Island, injuring some occupants while yet to be determined number of persons are under the rubbles.
The building located on Asesi Lane around the Adeniji Adele Road went down suddenly early today.
“Four persons have been rescued from the rubble so far. They have been taken to hospital,” Lagos State Information Commissioner Gbenga Omotoso said in a Facebook post.
Emergency responders from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), among others, have since gotten to the incident scene.
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