The Nigeria Police Force’s warning to the “Take It Back Movement” over its planned nationwide protests on April 7, 2025—coincidi...
The Nigeria Police Force’s warning to the “Take It Back Movement” over its planned nationwide protests on April 7, 2025—coinciding with the inaugural National Police Day—raises serious concerns about the state of democracy and freedom of expression in our country.
While it is understandable that the police would want their day of celebration to proceed without disruption, branding peaceful protests as “unpatriotic” is a dangerous narrative. It suggests that public dissent is a threat to national pride rather than a vital part of it. True patriotism lies in the willingness of citizens to hold institutions accountable—not in blind celebration.
The “Take It Back Movement” has historically stood for justice, transparency, and reform. Even if their grievances have not yet been formally outlined, their right to protest is constitutionally guaranteed. The fact that past demonstrations have addressed issues like police brutality and corruption should prompt introspection within the force—not outrage.
The Inspector-General of Police’s call for dialogue is commendable, but dialogue should not be a substitute for protest—it should complement it. In a functioning democracy, citizens must be allowed to voice discontent, even on days of national celebration. In fact, doing so on National Police Day could be symbolic, serving as a powerful reminder that reform is just as important as recognition.
If the police truly want to rebuild public trust, then they must learn to embrace accountability alongside accolades. Preventing protests under the guise of protecting national image only reinforces the belief that the government is intolerant of dissent.
Nigeria must decide what kind of democracy it wants to be—one that only allows celebration, or one that also makes room for criticism. The two are not mutually exclusive. In truth, they are both necessary for progress.
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