The “Take It Back” Movement (TIB) has requested a virtual meeting with the Lagos State Police Command, citing logistical challenges for an in-person gathering.
In a letter addressed to Assistant Commissioner of Police Jaiyeoba Joseph, the group’s legal representatives, Inibehe Effiong Chambers, outlined the proposal on Wednesday.
The police had previously extended an invitation to key TIB members, including National Coordinator Sanyaolu Juwon, to meet with the new Commissioner of Police, Olanrewaju Ishola, to discuss matters of national importance.
Sources within the organization, speaking anonymously, expressed concerns that a physical meeting could be a pretext for their arrest.
However, the state police public relations officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the invitation and assured that the meeting would be amicable, denying any intention to detain anyone.
The police also confirmed that the planned October protest would be part of the discussion.
Meanwhile, according to the letter from the movement’s solicitors, it was stated that several executive members were outside Lagos and could not travel down for a physical meeting.
“Due to the short notice and the fact that several key members of the Take It Back Movement are currently out of Lagos State, attending the physical meeting may be impracticable,” the letter read.
The TIB, therefore, proposed a virtual meeting as a more convenient alternative.
“We respectfully propose a virtual meeting as an alternative, as this would enable all necessary participants to join remotely and contribute productively to the discussions,” the letter read.
The group also offered to reschedule the meeting if a physical presence was essential, suggesting early October as a possible time when all team members would be available.
The protest, set for October 1, 2024, and tagged ‘FearlessInOctober’ is expected to, among other issues, address the economic hardship in the country, especially as Nigerians battle inflation and the scarcity of fuel.
