Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly defended the right of Nigerians to protest, emphasizing that this right is enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and affirmed by the courts.
In a statement posted on his verified Facebook page, Atiku highlighted Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as altered), which unequivocally guarantees the right to peaceful assembly and association.
He pointed out that any attempt to chase shadows and contrive purported persons behind planned protests is futile, especially when it is clear that Nigerians, including supporters of President Tinubu and the ruling APC, are suffering from hunger, anger, and hopelessness due to the government’s incompetence.
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 stated
He further criticized the irony of the current administration’s attempts to stifle these rights, noting that those in power today were themselves leading protests in 2012. Atiku argued that a responsible government must ensure a safe and secure environment for citizens to exercise their constitutionally guaranteed rights to peaceful protest. He warned that any attempt to suppress these rights is not only unconstitutional but a direct affront to democracy.
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,” Atiku asserted.
Atiku’s statement comes amid growing discontent and planned protests against the current administration. His remarks serve as a reminder of the constitutional protections for peaceful assembly and a call to the government to respect and uphold these fundamental rights.
