The Take It Back Movement Global headquarters has vehemently condemned the recent actions of Ambassador Mohammed Maidugu, Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to the UK.
Ambassador Maidugu was criticized for using derogatory language to describe TIB activists who were peacefully protesting against bad governance in Nigeria.
The statement were duly signed by the movement’s Director General, Dr. Chidi Nwanyanwu and Citizen Gbola Owoborode, UK Coordinator. The statement highlighted that Maidugu’s remarks were “utterly unacceptable” and constituted a “gross misuse” of his diplomatic position.
In response, TIB demanded that Maidugu issue a public apology to the activists and the wider Nigerian community in the UK.
Emphasizing the fundamental human right to peaceful protest, the statement called on the Nigerian government to ensure its representatives abroad uphold the highest standards of conduct and respect for citizens’ rights. TIB called for a focus on addressing the concerns raised by the protesters, rather than resorting to insults and intimidation.
The statement reads, “The Take It Back (TIB) Movement Global HQ vehemently condemns the recent actions of the Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK, Ambassador Mohammed Maidugu. His derogatory remarks labeling TIB activists as ‘senseless’ while they were peacefully protesting against bad governance in Nigeria are utterly unacceptable and a gross misuse of his diplomatic position.
“We demand that Ambassador Maidugu retract his statements and issue a public apology to the TIB activists and the Nigerian community in the UK. The right to peaceful protest is a fundamental human right, and any attempt to undermine this right is an affront to democracy and justice.
“We call on the Nigerian government to ensure that its representatives abroad uphold the highest standards of conduct and respect for the rights of all citizens. The focus should be on addressing the legitimate concerns raised by the protesters, rather than resorting to insults and intimidation.
“The global community of TIB is closely monitoring this situation from our headquarters and international directorates in every country around the world. We will not stand idly by while the rights of our members and supporters are trampled upon.”
Earlier, a video has surfaced where Maidugu was caught on Camera, refusing to engage with the protesters and resorting to insults.
One of the activists can be heard confronting him, saying, “I am a Nigerian. Are you not a Nigerian? Are you happy with the governance? Are you happy with the misgovernance of your country? You must be.”
Rather than address their concerns, Maidugu was heard insulting the protesters, saying he would only talk to people that have “sense” further fueling the anger of the demonstrators who have been relentless in their demand for improved governance.
The Take-It-Back Movement has been at the forefront of several high-profile protests against the Nigerian government.
In recent years, the group has led demonstrations across major cities in Nigeria, including Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, calling for an end to police brutality, economic hardship, and government corruption. The movement also played a key role in international protests, mobilizing Nigerians in the UK, US, Canada, and other parts of Europe to voice their discontent over the state of the nation.
Despite repeated crackdowns by Nigerian authorities, including the unlawful arrest and detention of its convener, Sowore, during the #RevolutionNow protests, the movement has remained undeterred.
Its Monday demonstrations in London have become a symbol of sustained resistance against the oppressive policies of the Nigerian government
The demonstration, organised by the Take-It-Back (TIB) Movement UK, marked the fourth year of its continuous Monday protests against bad governance, corruption, and human rights abuses in Nigeria.
