As the days of the planned nationwide protest against bad governance near, President Bola Tinubu and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar yesterday expressed divergent positions on the matter.
While the president appeals to aggrieved Nigerians especially the youth to shelve the action, the former Vice President warned that the Tinubu-led administration must allow citizens exercise their right to protest.
Atiku said it is ironic that those who seek to stifle the rights to protest the hunger, poverty and insecurity ravaging the country now led protest in 2012 when the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan adjusted upward the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) or petrol.
Commenting on the planned nationwide protest slated to begin on August 1 on his X account, Atiku said that a responsible government must ensure a safe and secure environment for citizens to exercise their constitutionally guaranteed rights to peaceful protest.
He said, “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.
”Any attempt to suppress these rights is not only unconstitutional but a direct affront to our democracy.”Atiku stressed that the rights of citizens to protest are enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and affirmed by the courts, adding, “Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as altered) unequivocally guarantees the right to peaceful assembly and association.
”The nationwide protest is billed to hold from Aug. 1 to 10.The leadership of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has thrown its weight behind it.
The National Chairman of SDP, Shehu Gabam at a press conference in Abuja last week said the demonstration is in the interest of the masses.
However, the Chairman of Progressive Governors’ Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma exonerated Tinubu from the inflation and economic challenge ravaging the country.
He argued that the biting hardship is a global phenomenon and not limited to Nigeria.
Mr Bayo Onanuga, a presidential aide on Sunday accused supporters of the Labour Party candidate in the 2023 presidential election, Mr Peter Obi of planning the protest.
Onanuga who is Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy said that Obi would be held responsible for whatever crisis that may emanate from the action.Yesterday, Tinubu pleaded with youths to shelve the planned action, saying there is no need for it.The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, conveyed the president’s plea while speaking with State House correspondents after his meeting with Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The minister stated, “We discussed the issue of the country in general and Mr President has asked me to again inform Nigerians that he listens to them, especially the young people that are trying to protest.
“Mr president said he listens to them and takes what they say seriously and he is working assiduously to ensure that this country is good not just for today but also for the future.
“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.
”With Atiku voicing out now, it appears the voices in support of the planned protest are increasing by the day.
