Sundiata Post – Former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, yesterday, slammed the Federal Government and those campaigning for the call off of the planned August 1 nationwide protest.
According to the organisers, “this hunger is too much.” The planned protest has been gaining momentum on social media, with many Nigerians expressing frustration over the economic hardship and hunger.
But the government and its security agencies including some civil groups have launched campaigns across the country to abort the protest arguing that it is unnecessary.
But Atiku in his verified facebook page described the move against the protest as deeply ironic, stressing that those who protested against the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2012 are the ones trying to stifle other people’s rights to protest.
He said the people have the right to protest as it is guaranteed by the constitution. He asked authorities to ensure a safe and secure environment for citizens to exercise their constitutionally guaranteed rights to peaceful protest.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the rights of citizens to protest are ENSHRINED in the Nigerian Constitution and AFFIRMED by our courts. Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as altered) unequivocally guarantees the right to peaceful assembly and association.
“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.
“It is deeply ironic that those who now seek to stifle these rights were themselves leading protests in 2012. A responsible government must ensure a SAFE and SECURE environment for citizens to exercise their constitutionally guaranteed rights to PEACEFUL PROTEST.
“Any attempt to suppress these rights is not only unconstitutional but a direct affront to our democracy,” he said.
