Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned attempts by the Federal Government and security agencies to scuttle nationwide protests planned for August 1.
The protests is being planned to address bad governance, economic hardship, and other issues.
Atiku, on his verified Facebook page on Tuesday emphasised that the right to protest is enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and affirmed by courts.
He pointed out the irony that those now attempting to stifle these rights were leading protests in 2012.
The former presidential candidate highlighted that even supporters of President Bola Tinubu and the ruling APC are affected by the current economic situation.
He wrote, “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,” he said.
