Former Vice President of Nigeria, His Excellecy Atiku Abubakar has described the Federal Government’s attempt to suppress the planned nationwide protest as unconstitutional.
Atiku who wrote via his official X account said that the citizens are all but guaranteed as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria the right for peaceful protest.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the rights of citizens to protest are enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and affirmed by our courts.”
He cited Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, which “unequivocally guarantees the right to peaceful assembly and association.”
While highlighting the temerity of hunger and starvation in the country, Atiku stressed the need for peaceful demonstration while arguing that the said hunger cuts across all citizens irrespective of the political parties affiliation.
“Chasing shadows and contriving purported persons behind the planned protests is an exercise in futility when it is obvious that Nigerians, including supporters of Tinubu and the ruling APC, are caught up in the hunger, anger, and hopelessness brought about by the incompetence and cluelessness of this government.”
Atiku also highlighted what he sees as hypocrisy among those currently in power
He said, “It is deeply ironic that those who now seek to stifle these rights were themselves leading protests in 2012.”
The statement further called on the government to fulfil its responsibilities in safeguarding citizens’ rights.
While condemning any attempt to disrupt or halt any planned protest, Atiku said it is not only unconstitutional to stop the process, but also a slap on Democracy.
“Any attempt to suppress these rights is not only unconstitutional but a direct affront to our democracy,” he added.
However, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appealed to Nigerians for enough time for his administration to get things in place while pleading with citizens to shun the planned protest.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, revealed this to State House Correspondents after closed-door talks with President Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, on Tuesday.
He said, “On the issue of the planned protest, Mr. President does not see any need for that. He asked them to shelve that plan and he has asked them to await the government’s response to all their pleas.
“So, there is no need for strike. The young people out there should listen to the President and allow the President more time to see to the realisation of all the goodies he has for them.”
His comments come days after calls for nationwide protests from August 1-10 against the rising cost of living and the economic hardship.
