Any attempt to suppress right to peaceful protest unconstitutional

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has defended the constitutional right of Nigerian citizens to engage in peaceful protest, amid growing economic challenges and reports of planned demonstrations.

In a statement on Tuesday via X, Atiku emphasised the legal basis for public demonstrations, saying, “For the avoidance of doubt, the rights of citizens to protest are enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and affirmed by our courts.”

He cited Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, which “unequivocally guarantees the right to peaceful assembly and association.”

The former Vice President criticised attempts to discourage or prevent protests, saying, “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.”

Atiku also highlighted what he sees as hypocrisy among those currently in power

He said, “It is deeply ironic that those who now seek to stifle these rights were themselves leading protests in 2012.”

The statement further called on the government to fulfil its responsibilities in safeguarding citizens’ rights.

“A responsible government must ensure a safe and secure environment for citizens to exercise their constitutionally guaranteed rights to peaceful protest,” Atiku stated.

He further warned about the implications of suppressing protests.

“Any attempt to suppress these rights is not only unconstitutional but a direct affront to our democracy,” he added.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday appealed to Nigerians who plan to stage nationwide hunger protests to shelve the plan.

He also called on citizens to give his administration enough time to respond to their requests.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, revealed this to State House Correspondents after closed-door talks with President Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, on Tuesday.

He said, “On the issue of the planned protest, Mr. President does not see any need for that. He asked them to shelve that plan and he has asked them to await government’s response to all their pleas.

“So, there is no need for strike. The young people out there should listen to the President and allow the President more time to see to the realisation of all the goodies he has for them.”

His comments come days after calls for nationwide protests from August 1-10 against the rising cost of living and the economic hardship.