TIB Declares August 5 ‘Festival of the Oppressed,’ Unveils 10 Demands to Tinubu Government

The Take It Back (TIB) Movement has officially declared August 5 as the “Festival of the Oppressed,” calling on Nigerians across the country to participate in what it described as a nationwide peaceful mass action against worsening insecurity, economic hardship, repression and the erosion of democratic freedoms under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a press statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the movement’s National Coordinator, Juwon Sanyaolu, TIB said the planned mobilisation is aimed at giving ordinary Nigerians a platform to demand accountability and fundamental reforms from the Federal Government.

According to the movement, the country continues to grapple with widespread insecurity, rising food prices, inflation, unemployment and an increasing clampdown on civil liberties.

“Nigeria is bleeding. Across every region of the country, ordinary people are paying the price for the failures of those in power,” the statement read.

The movement alleged that more than 200 Nigerians remain in captivity while communities across several states continue to experience recurring attacks despite increased government spending on security.

TIB also criticised the country’s economic direction, arguing that the removal of fuel subsidy and the continued depreciation of the naira have pushed millions of Nigerians deeper into poverty.

According to the group, soaring food prices, transportation costs and the high cost of living have left many citizens unable to afford basic necessities.

Beyond economic concerns, the movement accused the government of shrinking Nigeria’s democratic space through the use of the Cybercrime Act to intimidate journalists, activists, students, labour organisers and other critics.

It further condemned what it described as political persecution and called for greater respect for constitutional rights and freedom of expression.

As part of the planned August 5 demonstration, the Take It Back Movement presented ten demands to the Federal Government:

• End insecurity and rescue all Nigerians held in captivity.
• Release all political detainees.
• Repeal the Cybercrime Act and stop using it to suppress free speech.
• Implement a ₦500,000 national minimum wage.
• Introduce measures to reduce the rising cost of living.
• Withdraw all charges against Omoyele Sowore.
• Hold Femi Gbajabiamila accountable and remove him from office.
• End xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and protect Africans across the continent.
• Defend Nigeria’s sovereignty against foreign interference.
• Remove DSS Director-General Tosin Ajayi and ensure accountable leadership of the agency.

The movement described the “Festival of the Oppressed” as more than a protest, saying it is intended to unite workers, students, traders, professionals, farmers, journalists and other Nigerians affected by the country’s economic and political challenges.

TIB urged Nigerians to mobilise peacefully in their communities and participate in the August 5 action, insisting that sustained civic engagement remains necessary to demand accountability from those in positions of power.

“Our demands are just. Our rights are non-negotiable. Our future must be reclaimed. Enough is enough,” the statement concluded.