Former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar has announced his backing for the upcoming national protest.
Atiku noted that the constitution protects the rights of citizens to assemble peacefully and express their discontent.
He stressed that the rights to peaceful assembly and free expression are constitutionally guaranteed and have been consistently validated 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.
“Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as altered) unequivocally guarantees the right to peaceful assembly and association,” Atiku tweeted.
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.
Atiku urged the authorities to ensure a protective and non-violent space for citizens to express their grievances through peaceful demonstrations.
He cautioned that suppressing these rights would be a blatant breach of the constitution and a serious assault on Nigeria’s democratic principles.
