Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, spearheaded a massive protest in Abuja on Saturday, leading hundreds of demonstrators to demand an end to alleged land grabbing by powerful politicians and speculators. The focal point of the protest, tagged #SaveJabiPark, was the ongoing attempt to privatize Jabi Lake Park, a vital public space for the residents of the Federal Capital Territory.

During the demonstration, held at Jabi Lake Park, protesters vehemently accused officials, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and President Bola Tinubu, of attempting to convert Jabi Park into private property. Sowore emphatically declared that Jabi Park belongs to the people, not to "greedy politicians, their cronies, or land speculators," and vowed that residents would fiercely resist such efforts.

Sowore articulated the multifaceted importance of Jabi Lake Park, highlighting its critical social, economic, and health purposes for Abuja residents. He emphasized its role as a place for exercise, relaxation, meditation, and general physical and mental well-being, as well as an economic hub for the informal sector. He expressed concern that despite these crucial functions, "the enemies of our people decided that of all the places to sell in Abuja, Jabi Lake is their target."

The activist drew parallels between the alleged land appropriation in Abuja and a broader pattern he claimed had long existed in Lagos and Rivers states. Sowore accused Wike of having "stolen every piece of land in Port Harcourt" and Tinubu of similar actions in Lagos, citing an instance where Tinubu allegedly converted polytechnic land into his TV station. He asserted that this "impunity" had now been brought to Abuja, pledging that activists would not allow it to succeed there.

Activists and community members had spent several weeks mobilizing support, engaging with individuals who depend on the park for their livelihoods. However, Sowore expressed disappointment regarding the low active participation from many residents and traders who regularly use the park. He warned that if they failed to fight for the park, their businesses would soon be replaced by those of Wike and the government, as plans were underway to build residential areas and hotels that would price them out.

Sowore further disclosed that portions of Jabi Park, specifically three out of its 14 acres, had already been taken over by Wike personally and demarcated for development. He stated that these temporary demarcations would soon become permanent, restricting access to anyone who is not a construction worker or the new land owner. He cautioned that if the privatization plan succeeds, entering what is currently a public recreational facility could become a criminal act of trespassing within months.

The protest featured hundreds of participants carrying placards with inscriptions such as "Save Jabi Lake Now," "Save Jabi Park Now," and "Stop Land Grabbing in Abuja." Chants like "Wike is a land thief" and "Tinubu is a land thief" echoed through the streets, calling for the protection of public spaces and demanding an immediate halt to what was described as a "systematic takeover of public lands." Protesters also called for transparency in land allocation processes within the capital city.