Bodies denounce planned protest
National Leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso yesterday warned that the planned anti-government protest would not be in the best interest of the country, especially coming at this time in point.
He asked the protest organisers to rather channel their energies into more effective means of transformation while waiting to use their votes to end perceived bad governance in 2027.
A retired UK Judge, author and Good Governance advocate, Dr. Charles Omole, said while protest in a democracy is allowed, there should be no room for harassing the public or preventing others from their duties.
A former presidential candidate, Mr. Gbenga Hashim, described the right to protest by any group of Nigerians or individuals concerning any situation as an essential part of citizens’ freedom of expression provided for in Nigeria’s constitution in so far as such rights are expressed peacefully without infringing on the rights of others.
However, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike alleged that some election losers in the country plan to use the protest to overthrow the government.
He said such a move was unacceptable.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) said it would not be part of the protest because it would not do them any good.
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The Federal Government is already tightening security at all the nation’s borders as part of the measures to check the involvement of foreigners in the anti-government protests scheduled to commence on Thursday.
Immigration officials are under instruction to be extra vigilant and watch out for aliens who may want to sneak into the country for the protests.
Commanders of Police Tactical Squads across the country have their own separate order to take charge of their areas of operations by preventing violence and anarchy while the protests last, although more groups, including the National Association of Nigerians Students (NANS), Non-Indigenous Ethnic Nationalities in Lagos State and the Adamawa Activists Unite yesterday declared their opposition to the protests.
Dr. Kwankwaso in a statement on his X account @KwankwasoRM said there is always room for correction and setting the country on the right track for economic development, prosperity and better welfare of citizens.
“This could be achieved through ensuring good governance, respect for the rule of law, transparency and accountability,” he said.
He added:”In these trying times, our nation stands at a crossroads. Our collective frustration with bad governance has reached a boiling point, and the urge to protest is strong. As an elder and patriotic Nigerian, I share your concerns and your desire for change.
“However, I urge you to consider the consequences of national protests and to channel your energy into a more effective and peaceful means of transformation—through the power of your ballot.
“Protests, while a fundamental democratic right, often come with unforeseen and dire consequences. The tragic events of the past have shown us that protests can escalate into violence, leading to loss of lives, destruction of property, and widespread chaos.
“The repercussions of such actions extend far beyond the immediate moment, leaving scars on our communities and deepening divisions among us.”
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