Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, has expressed his support for the planned nationwide protest, emphasizing the constitutional rights of citizens to peacefully assemble and express their grievances.
Atiku reiterated that these rights are enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and affirmed by the courts.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the rights of citizens to protest are enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and affirmed by our courts,” Atiku stated.
“Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as altered) unequivocally guarantees the right to peaceful assembly and association.”
He criticized the government’s efforts to identify individuals allegedly behind the protests, calling it an exercise in futility.
Atiku pointed out that the protests are a reflection of the widespread dissatisfaction among Nigerians, including supporters of President Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The frustration, he noted, stems from the government’s perceived incompetence and failure to address issues such as hunger, anger, and hopelessness.
“It is deeply ironic that those who now seek to stifle these rights were themselves leading protests in 2012,” Atiku remarked.
He stressed the responsibility of the government to ensure a safe and secure environment for citizens to exercise their constitutionally guaranteed rights to peaceful protest.
Any attempt to suppress these rights, he argued, is not only unconstitutional but a direct affront to Nigeria’s democracy.
