- He warned that any attempt to suppress these rights is not only unconstitutional but a direct affront to democracy.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has cautioned the federal government against stifling citizens’ right to protest, citing the Nigerian Constitution and court affirmations that guarantee peaceful assembly and association.
Atiku’s statement comes amid reports of a planned protest that the government is trying to prevent.
The nationwide protests against hunger and widespread hardship in the country, scheduled to begin on August 1.
He emphasized that the right to protest is enshrined in Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution and that attempting to suppress it is unconstitutional and a threat to democracy.
Atiku slammed the government of President Bola Tinubu for attempting to suppress the protesters, saying it was an exercise in futility.
The former VP noted the irony of those who led protests in 2012 now trying to stifle the same rights, and urged the government to ensure a safe and secure environment for citizens to exercise their constitutional rights.
Atiku’s statement reads in part: “Chasing shadows and contriving purported persons behind the planned protests is an exercise in futility… 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.”
He concluded by stressing that a responsible government must respect citizens’ rights to peaceful protest.