Throwing his weight behind the planned nationwide protest aimed at ending bad governance in Nigeria, which has subjected the citizenry to unprecedented economic hardship and hunger, billed to commence August 1, 2024, the candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the September 21 Edo governorship election, Olumide Osaigbovo Akpata, on Monday acknowledged the right of Nigerians to protest as not merely a constitutional provision, but “a vital mechanism for citizens to participate actively in the governance of their country”.
While, however, urging the would-be protesters to carry out their rights of expression within the ambit of the law, Akpata described speculation about the sponsors or financiers of the protest as a “misdirection of energy and resources”.
In a statement, the former president of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, called on all stakeholders, the protesters, security agencies, government officials, and the public, to approach the coming days with a sense of patriotism, responsibility, and unwavering commitment to the principles of democracy.
He said the nation should use this moment as an opportunity to strengthen our democratic institutions, address pressing national issues, and move our beloved country towards a more prosperous and equitable future.
According to Akpata, “The recent surge of discussions across news outlets and social media platforms regarding planned protests by citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria set to commence on August 1, 2024, has drawn significant attention. These protests, aimed at addressing perceived inadequacies in governance, have elicited diverse reactions from various segments of Nigerian society.
“It is paramount to emphatically state that the right to peaceful assembly and free expression, including the right of citizens to protest, are fundamental rights enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. As citizens of this great nation, we are not only entitled to exercise these rights, but are indeed duty-bound to do so when circumstances necessitate. It is on this unshakeable constitutional foundation that I unequivocally support the right of the would-be protesters to assemble peacefully and articulate their grievances.
“Speculation about the sponsors or financiers of the protest is, in my considered opinion, a misdirection of energy and resources. The root cause of this civic action is painfully evident in the current state of our beloved country. The harsh economic realities faced by countless Nigerians, many of whom struggle daily to meet basic needs, serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for decisive action. It is a testament to the resilience and patience of Nigerians that we have endured these challenges for so long.
“To the would-be protesters, I implore you to exercise your constitutional rights within the bounds of the law. The nobility of your cause must not be tarnished by actions that contravene the very principles of democracy and good governance that you seek to uphold. Remain peaceful and law-abiding, even in the face of potential provocation. Your conduct during these protests will speak volumes about the depth of your convictions and the strength of our democracy.
Calling for utmost restraint and professionalism by security agencies in managing these protests, Akpata insisted that “Your primary duty is to protect and serve the citizens of Nigeria, including those exercising their right to protest. Ensure that adequate security measures are in place to safeguard both the protesters and the public. Your actions in the coming days will be crucial to maintaining public trust and upholding the principles of our democracy.
“To the government at all levels, I call for a moment of deep reflection and decisive action. The voices of the people, expressed through these protests, should not be dismissed or suppressed but should serve as a catalyst for positive change. Address the underlying issues that have led to this outcry with sincerity, transparency, and a genuine commitment to the welfare of all Nigerians.
“As we navigate these challenging times, let us remember that the strength of our democracy lies in our ability to peacefully express dissent, engage in constructive dialogue, and work collectively towards the betterment of our nation. The right to protest is not merely a constitutional provision, it is a vital mechanism for citizens to participate actively in the governance of their country”.
Akpata, in the same vein, called “on all stakeholders – the protesters, security agencies, government officials, and the general public – to approach the coming days with a sense of patriotism, responsibility, and unwavering commitment to the principles of democracy. Let us use this moment as an opportunity to strengthen our democratic institutions, address pressing national issues, and move our beloved country towards a more prosperous and equitable future”.
Meanwhile, while the federal government has been trying frantically to prevent the protest, youths in Niger State on Monday jumped the gun as they trooped to the streets of Minna to express their dissatisfaction with the economic hardship in the country ahead of the August 1 commencement date.