Anti-government protests and counter-rallies to drum up support for President Bola Tinubu in Abuja and six states held on Thursday as the country celebrated Democracy Day,
In Abuja, the Take It Back movement protesters’ plan to storm the National Assembly failed as heavy security deployment prevented access to the complex where President Tinubu addressed a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives as part of activities marking Democracy Day.
The security at the National Assembly was reinforced with iron barricades and a long truck, effectively blocking access to the premises.
In addition, security agencies deployed heavily armed personnel to strategic locations across the city.
The operatives were particularly visible at Berger Roundabout, Dantata Bridge, Secretariat, Utako Market, and the National Assembly, all potential gathering points for the protesters.
Despite the heavy security, the organisers defied the situation and held their protest in the Apo area of Abuja, where demonstrators were seen chanting solidarity songs and waving placards to express their grievances.
However, the protest was short-lived and ended shortly after it began.
In contrast, the pro-Tinubu protesters were allowed to move freely close to the National Assembly. Some arrived in a large convoy of tricycles, blaring music in praise of the President.
Speaking to our correspondent on why the protest did not hold in the heart of the FCT, the TIB coordinator, Rex Elenu, said the security agents were after them.
“We were on the run. They never allowed us to gather,” he said.
Also speaking, the TIB Director of Mobilisation in the FCT, Michael Adenola, accused the government and security agencies of double standards.
He alleged that the Tinubu administration was intolerant of criticisms.
He said, “The stark contrast is telling. While pro-government protesters were allowed to freely assemble and express themselves today, we know the harsh reality faced by those who dare to dissent. The Tinubu government’s intolerance for criticism and opposition is well-documented, often resorting to violent dispersal and repression.
“This selective treatment of protesters highlights the administration’s bias and disregard for citizens’ constitutional rights to hold critical opinions. We condemn this double standard and reaffirm our commitment to holding those in power accountable, even if we must do so in isolation.”
Also in Abuja, the leaders of the National Association of Nigerian Students and the National Association of Polytechnic Students staged a solidarity march in support of the President, whom they said prioritised investment in Nigeria’s education sector.
Speaking during the march, NAPS president, Oghayn Eshiofune, said the solidarity rally was not a protest but a demonstration of gratitude to the Tinubu-led administration, declaring that no other President since the onset of democracy in Nigeria had invested hugely in education.
He listed various policy interventions, including the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund and the approval of a N45,000 monthly stipend for students of technical colleges, as key indicators of the administration’s commitment to human capital development.
“The students are gathered here today to appreciate Mr President. We are here to thank Mr President for his investments in education. It is worth noting that since the inception of democracy, he is the only President who has invested much in education.
“We are proud of him, and that is why we are here today to say ‘adupe’ Mr President for your investment. It is not a protest but a gathering of appreciation,” he said.
Eshiofune, however, urged the President to convert the National Board for Technical Education to a Commission, noting that the Polytechnics deserved a Commission, as opposed to a board.
He also prayed that the President upgrade the status of the Higher National Diploma degree to a Bachelor of Technology degree.