IN light of concerns regarding a planned nationwide protest, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged the organizers to reconsider their demands for President Bola Tinubu to abolish the 1999 Constitution, labeling such a request as unrealistic.
The party’s National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, during a closed-door meeting in Abuja with the Forum of APC State Chairmen to discuss the potential protest, stated that the renewed push for President Tinubu to abandon the constitution he pledged to uphold would be an impossible task.
Senator Basiru explained that President Tinubu does not possess the authority to repeal or modify the 1999 Constitution unilaterally.
He further stated that the National Working Committee scrutinized the fifteen demands outlined by the protest organizers and determined that many of the issues raised are political in nature and should not be subject to protest.
In preparation for the upcoming nationwide protest scheduled for August 1, police authorities have requested details from those planning to participate.
During a press briefing in Abuja yesterday, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun specifically urged groups intending to demonstrate to provide their details to the police commissioners in their respective states.
He emphasized that this request stems from the recognition of the right to peaceful assembly.
“We respect the constitutional right of Nigerian citizens to assemble peacefully and protest,” the IGP stated. “However, for public safety and order, we encourage all groups preparing to protest to submit essential information to their state’s Commissioner of Police.”
To ensure a smooth and incident-free protest, the IGP requested organizers to outline proposed protest routes and assembly points, the expected duration of the protest, as well as the names and contact information of the protest leaders.
He also noted that the organizers should share strategies to prevent infiltration by criminal elements and identify potential troublemakers.
Concerning the risk of the protest being taken over by criminal actors, the IGP reiterated that such information is vital for recognizing potential disruptors.
He assured that the police would deploy sufficient personnel and resources to safeguard public safety, stressing the need to know specific protest routes to prevent clashes with other scheduled events.
The IGP also issued recommendations for protesters, advising them to establish effective communication with protest leaders to resolve any emerging issues, and to minimize the chances of violence, property damage, or other unlawful activities.
He encouraged all participants to work cooperatively with law enforcement, abide by legal requirements, and follow best practices for peaceful demonstrations to ensure their rights are exercised safely and successfully.
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday, commented on the planned protests, asserting that those backing the demonstrations do not have the country’s best interests at heart.
While he did not specify any individuals, he indicated that the protest proponents possess alternative passports and conduct meetings globally via virtual platforms.
“The sponsors of protests do not love our country. They have no regard for the nation. They lack an understanding of true citizenship and prefer alternative passports,” President Tinubu stated during a reception for Islamic leaders at the Presidential Villa.
“They are holding meetings from various locations around the world. We must avoid turning Nigeria into a state like Sudan. We’re discussing issues of hunger, not funerals. We need to exercise caution and avoid hasty politics rooted in hate and anger.”
According to President Tinubu, protests driven by anger and resentment could escalate into violence, hindering the nation’s progress.
Earlier, security agencies expressed concerns regarding the planned demonstrations, urging citizens to abandon actions that could jeopardize national security. The Department of State Services (DSS) stated on Thursday that it had identified those behind the protests.
While acknowledging citizens’ right to protest, the agency warned that some individuals might seek to exploit it for nefarious purposes.
“The plotters aim to utilize the anticipated violent results to tarnish the reputation of both federal and state governments and incite conflicts with the populace,” DSS spokesperson Peter Afunanya said in a statement. “Their long-term goal is to instigate a regime change, particularly at the national level.”
The call for protest, tagged the #EndBadGovernance protest, has gained traction on social media due to the escalating cost of living in Nigeria, attributed to the recent policies of fuel subsidy removal and currency floating.
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported inflation figures climbing to 34 percent, causing essential goods to become unaffordable for millions of Nigerians.
President Tinubu has been engaging with various stakeholders, including traditional leaders, in a final bid to deter the protest, urging organizers to be patient as his administration works to tackle Nigeria’s challenges, assuring them that the reforms undertaken will yield positive results in the future.
