Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has lent his support to the planned EndBadGovernance protest which is scheduled to commence on August 1st to the 10th.
The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in a statement on his X handle on Tuesday, said Nigerians have every right to protest against “hunger, anger, and hopelessness brought about by the incompetence and cluelessness of this government” as it is enshrined in the constitution of the country.
He however, lampooned the Presidency and the APC over alleged attempts to clampdown on the protesters, saying it would amount to chasing shadows if they try to stop Nigerians from exercising their rights.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the rights of citizens to protest are ENSHRINED in the Nigerian Constitution and AFFIRMED by our courts,” Atiku wrote.
“Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as altered) unequivocally guarantees the right to peaceful assembly and association.
“Chasing shadows and contriving purported persons behind the planned 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.
-AA”
The post Nigerians have every right to protest —Atiku appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from Ripples Nigeria.
