The United Bank for Africa (UBA) is facing backlash after freezing the account of the Take It Back (TIB) Movement, a human rights organization spearheading the upcoming nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests. TIB alleged on Friday that the account was frozen at the behest of the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria’s secret police.
TIB has issued a stern ultimatum to UBA, demanding that the account be unfrozen within 24 hours, or they will pursue legal action. “It has now come to our attention that @UBAGroup has frozen our account on the instructions of the DSS over our involvement in the forthcoming protest. We describe this action as lawless and demand our account be unfrozen immediately within the next 24 hours, without which a legal action will be instituted against @UBAGroup,” the organization posted on its X handle on Friday.
Omoyele Sowore, an activist and the convener of the #RevolutionNow movement, has strongly criticized both the DSS and UBA. He called their actions “lawless” and accused them of cowardice. “Lawless @OfficialDSSNG will learn a hard lesson soon, and @UBAGroup, @TonyOElumelu, for this act of cowardice and conspiracy, the people of Nigeria that you’re letting down at this critical moment in history will let you down soon, too! #DaysOfRage,” Sowore stated on X.
As the situation unfolds, the organizers of the protests have taken formal steps to secure Eagle Square in Abuja as the venue for their demonstrations, scheduled from August 1 to 10. In a letter to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, the group requested unrestricted access to the square, along with essential amenities like power supply, water, and security.
The planned protests have sparked a heated debate across the country. The government has intensified efforts to prevent the demonstrations, reflecting the growing tension between authorities and protest organizers. The TIB Movement, undeterred by these challenges, continues to rally support and prepare for the #EndBadGovernance protests, aiming to address the widespread discontent among Nigerians.
This development has drawn significant attention from both national and international observers, highlighting the ongoing struggle for civil liberties and government accountability in Nigeria. As the protest dates approach, the actions of the DSS, UBA, and other stakeholders will be closely monitored, with the potential for significant legal and political repercussions.