Atiku Defends Right to Peaceful Protest in Nigeria Amid Growing Economic Challenges
Former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged the government to respect the constitutional right to peaceful protest, amid growing economic challenges and reports of planned demonstrations. In a statement on Tuesday, Atiku emphasized the legal basis for public demonstrations, citing Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution which guarantees the right to peaceful assembly and association.
The former Vice President criticized attempts to discourage or prevent protests, saying it is an exercise in futility. “Chasing shadows and contriving purported persons behind the planned protests is a waste of time 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 stated.
Atiku also highlighted what he sees as hypocrisy among those currently in power, pointing out that the same individuals who now seek to stifle these rights were themselves leading protests in 2012. He warned that any attempt to suppress these rights is not only unconstitutional but a direct affront to democracy.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has appealed to Nigerians who plan to stage nationwide hunger protests to shelve the plan. According to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the President does not see any need for a strike and has asked protesters to await government’s response to their pleas.
The comments come days after calls for nationwide protests from August 1-10 against the rising cost of living and economic hardship. Atiku’s statement called on the government to fulfill its responsibilities in safeguarding citizens’ rights, emphasizing the importance of a safe and secure environment for peaceful protest.
“A responsible government must ensure a safe and secure environment for citizens to exercise their constitutionally guaranteed rights to peaceful protest,” Atiku stated.
