The Take It Back movement has formally requested the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to permit the use of Eagle Square for their upcoming #EndBadGovernance protest from August 1 to August 10. The group's Director of Mobilisation, Damilare Adenola, outlined this request in a letter sent to Wike on Friday.
In their statement, the group emphasized the need for 24-hour power supply, toilet facilities, water, and security to ensure the comfort and safety of the protesters camped at the location. They also hinted that the protest might extend beyond ten days, aiming to address ongoing national issues caused by the ruling party.
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FCT Police Deploy 4,200 Officers Ahead of August 1 Protest
The letter expressed the group's intent to use Eagle Square continuously for the duration of the protest and requested the same level of respect and amenities given to dignitaries who have used the space. Additionally, they appealed for the removal of the outer wire mesh barrier for easier access to the Presidential Villa during the protest.
In response to the planned protest, the FCT police have deployed 4,200 officers across the capital. According to the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, this deployment includes explosive ordnance device experts and is aimed at ensuring public safety, protecting protesters, and preventing the protests from being hijacked by non-state actors. Collaborating with other security agencies, the police will also conduct raids on identified black spots, uncompleted buildings, and carry out stop-and-search operations.
