Ten (10) Reasons Behind the April 7 Nationwide Protest Against the Cybercrime Act and Emergency Rule

INTRO: The nationwide protest organized for April 7, 2025, under the leadership of the Take-It-Back Movement (TIB), has drawn national attention due to its compelling objectives and widespread support across civil society organizations, labour unions, and human rights advocates. Despite opposition from the Nigerian Police Force, the protest is going ahead, reflecting a deepening concern among citizens over issues related to governance, civil liberties, and constitutionalism. This article outlines key reasons behind the protest, grounded in the motivations and tensions captured in recent developments.

 

The reasons behind the April 7 nationwide protest against the Cybercrime Act and emergency rule are:
 

1.    Perceived Misuse of the Cybercrime Act: At the heart of the protest is the demand for the repeal of the Cybercrime Act, which many Nigerians believe has been weaponized to stifle dissent and suppress free speech. Protesters argue that instead of addressing genuine cybersecurity threats like online fraud and hacking, the Act has become a tool for harassing citizens who express critical views about the government online. This concern is echoed by several civil society groups and media freedom advocates who have observed a rise in arrests and intimidation of social media users under vague provisions such as "cyberstalking" and "online defamation." In this regard, the protest is not just a call for repeal but a broader advocacy for digital rights and online freedom of expression in a democratic society.
 

2.    Emergency Rule in Rivers State: Another major flashpoint for the protest is the imposition of emergency rule in Rivers State, which organizers describe as unconstitutional and reminiscent of military dictatorship. The Take-It-Back Movement, supported by other activist groups, insists that such a drastic measure undermines democratic institutions and violates the federal character of the Nigerian state. For many, this move is seen as politically motivated, creating an atmosphere of fear and repression in Rivers State. The protesters demand the immediate lifting of the emergency rule and restoration of democratic governance, arguing that the situation sets a dangerous precedent for other states in the federation.
 

3.    Criminalization of Peaceful Protest: A recurring theme among protest supporters is the growing intolerance of peaceful dissent by state authorities. Multiple activist groups have condemned the police’s attempt to label the protest as “ill-timed” or “mischievous,” asserting that such statements aim to delegitimize lawful civil action. Organizations like the Movement for Socialist Alternative (MSA) and Joint Action Front (JAF) argue that labeling peaceful protests as security threats is an affront to democratic values. Protesters are therefore also demonstrating against the criminalization of protests, emphasizing that the right to assembly is protected under Nigeria’s Constitution and international treaties.

4.    Suppression of Free Speech, and Cyberbullying by Authorities: Protesters have pointed fingers at law enforcement agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force, accusing them of cyberbullying and harassing citizens who question government policies. Specific allegations center around Prince Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Police Public Relations Officer, who has been accused of using his position to intimidate dissenters online. These accusations have fueled wider anger over what many see as a trend of state-sponsored cyberbullying, where dissent is met not with engagement but with intimidation and arrests. The protest thus seeks to hold officials accountable and demand ethical conduct in state-citizen online interactions.
 

5.    Concerns Over Hunger, Starvation, and Cost of Living: While the main themes of the protest are digital rights and emergency rule, many protesters are also using the opportunity to express anger over the deteriorating economic conditions in the country. Hunger, unemployment, and rising inflation have made life unbearable for many Nigerians, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. According to Mr. Omoyele Sowore, who supports the protest, individuals and communities will tailor their protest themes based on what is most affecting them locally — be it hunger, failed governance, or political victimization. This multi-issue nature of the protest gives it a broader mass appeal.

6.    Resistance to Tyranny and Anti-People Policies: Activist organizations see the protest as part of a larger resistance movement against tyranny and anti-people policies. For example, the JAF Secretary, Abiodun Aremu, emphasized that Nigerians must never get tired of resisting oppression and bad governance. They see the protest as a necessary tool in confronting what they term “neo-liberal regimes” that prioritize elite interests over the masses. This ideological framing presents the protest not just as a reactionary measure, but as part of an ongoing campaign for systemic change in Nigeria — one rooted in social justice and people-centered governance.

7.    Solidarity with Victims of Injustice Across the Country: Another reason driving the protest is solidarity with victims of injustice, such as those affected by political suppression in Kogi State or cyber repression in Lagos. The protest is giving space to Nigerians in different regions to voice their unique struggles, thereby creating a unified platform for national grievances. This solidarity approach reflects a growing consciousness among Nigerians that local injustices are often part of a broader systemic failure. The protest thus acts as a rallying point for collective action.

8.    International and Legal Backing for Peaceful Assembly: Supporters of the protest, including Amnesty International, have stressed that peaceful assembly is protected by Nigeria’s Constitution and international treaties like the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. Amnesty’s involvement adds global weight to the protest, putting pressure on the government to respect the rights of its citizens. This international perspective bolsters the protesters’ claim to legitimacy and legal protection, making it harder for authorities to justify any repression or crackdown on protest activities.

9.    Call for Responsible Policing and Democratic Oversight: The protest is also a call for the police to return to their constitutional duty of protecting citizens, not suppressing them. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has warned against police collusion with thugs to infiltrate or disrupt the protest. Instead, they urge the police to provide a safe environment for protesters and prevent criminal elements from hijacking the demonstration. This demand underscores the need for democratic policing, one that respects civil liberties while maintaining law and order.

10.    Rejection of State Propaganda and Intimidation: Finally, the protest is a response to the government’s attempt to control the narrative. Security agencies have circulated memos describing the protest as a plot by “subversive elements” to destabilize the state. Protesters and civil groups see this as an attempt to delegitimize citizens' genuine grievances. Such rhetoric, they argue, reveals an alarming level of state paranoia and disrespect for public opinion, which is why citizens are rising to reclaim their voice and civic space.