Former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the government’s attempts to stifle citizens’ rights to peaceful protest, emphasizing that such actions are unconstitutional and a threat to democracy.
Atiku cited Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the right to peaceful assembly and association, and noted that the courts have consistently affirmed this right. He argued that the government’s efforts to identify supposed masterminds behind the protests are futile, as widespread discontent stems from its own failures.
Atiku highlighted the irony that those now trying to suppress protests were themselves leading demonstrations in 2012. He emphasized that a responsible government must ensure a safe environment for citizens to exercise their constitutional rights to peaceful protest.
“Chasing shadows and contriving purported persons behind the protests is an exercise in futility 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.
“It is deeply ironic that those who now seek to stifle these rights were themselves leading protests in 2012. A responsible government must ensure a SAFE and SECURE environment for citizens to exercise their constitutionally guaranteed rights to PEACEFUL PROTEST. Any attempt to suppress these rights is not only unconstitutional but a direct affront to our democracy.”
The former Vice President’s statement comes amid growing concerns about the government’s handling of protests and its commitment to upholding democratic principles.
