ABUJA – National Leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso yesterday warned that the planned anti-government protest would not be in the best interest of the country, especially coming at this time in point.
He asked the protest organisers to rather channel their energies into more effective means of transformation while waiting to use their votes to end perceived bad governance in 2027.
A retired UK Judge, author and Good Governance advocate, Dr. Charles Omole, said while protest in a democracy is allowed, there should be no room for harassing the public or preventing others from their duties.
A former presidential candidate, Mr. Gbenga Hashim, described the right to protest by any group of Nigerians or individuals concerning any situation as an essential part of citizens’ freedom of expression provided for in Nigeria’s constitution in so far as such rights are expressed peacefully without infringing on the rights of others.
However, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike alleged that some election losers in the country plan to use the protest to overthrow the government.
He said such a move was unacceptable.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) said it would not be part of the protest because it would not do them any good.
The Federal Government is already tightening security at all the nation’s borders as part of the measures to check the involvement of foreigners in the anti-government protests scheduled to commence on Thursday.
Immigration officials are under instruction to be extra vigilant and watch out for aliens who may want to sneak into the country for the protests.
Commanders of Police Tactical Squads across the country have their own separate order to take charge of their areas of operations by preventing violence and anarchy while the protests last, although more groups, including the National Association of Nigerians Students (NANS), Non-Indigenous Ethnic Nationalities in Lagos State and the Adamawa Activists Unite yesterday declared their opposition to the protests.
Dr. Kwankwaso in a statement on his X account @KwankwasoRM said there is always room for correction and setting the country on the right track for economic development, prosperity and better welfare of citizens.
“This could be achieved through ensuring good governance, respect for the rule of law, transparency and accountability,” he said.
He added:”In these trying times, our nation stands at a crossroads. Our collective frustration with bad governance has reached a boiling point, and the urge to protest is strong. As an elder and patriotic Nigerian, I share your concerns and your desire for change.
“However, I urge you to consider the consequences of national protests and to channel your energy into a more effective and peaceful means of transformation—through the power of your ballot.
“Protests, while a fundamental democratic right, often come with unforeseen and dire consequences. The tragic events of the past have shown us that protests can escalate into violence, leading to loss of lives, destruction of property, and widespread chaos.
“The repercussions of such actions extend far beyond the immediate moment, leaving scars on our communities and deepening divisions among us.”
Harassing the public in the name of protests is unacceptable, says ex-UK judge
A retired UK Judge, author and Good Governance advocate, Dr. Charles Omole, said there is nothing wrong in people protesting provided those involved conduct themselves peacefully and refrain from obstructing public roads or preventing others from their duties.
Sharing his view on his X (formerly Twitter) account @DrCOmole yesterday, he said: “It’s crucial to understand that blocking roads or harassing the public in the name of protests is unacceptable. “Vandalising public properties is not just unlawful, it can lead to serious legal consequences.
“The rights of the protesters do not supersede the rights of other Nigerians, and it’s important to respect this balance.
“In the UK, some climate change protesters have recently been sentenced to up to 5 years in jail for blocking the M25 Motorway during their protests.
“The road blockage caused immense economic disruption. And the court emphasised on the need to protest in ways that do not infringe on the rights of others. I am yet to see anyone calling the UK government anti-free speech.
“So, let me be clear: the government should plan its scenarios and be ready to intervene if needed. However, they should allow the protesters to demonstrate their good faith through peaceful protests while being given protection by the law.
“Anyone who decides to go beyond the peaceful protests should be made to face the full brunt of the law. We all have rights. And your right to protest is not stronger than my right to go about my daily tasks in peace.”
Right to protest is sacrosanct, but regime change plot is treason – Gbenga Hashim
In a similar vein, a former presidential candidate, Mr. Gbenga Hashim, said the right to protest by any group of Nigerians or individuals concerning any situation is an essential part of citizens’ Freedom of Expression provided for in Nigeria’s constitution in so far as such rights are expressed peacefully without infringing on the rights of others.
Mr. Hashim, in a statement, maintained that there “are legitimate grounds for Nigerian people to protest the prevailing economic situation and myriad of challenges not currently satisfactorily addressed. Nigerians did protest in robust manners even under military rule.”
According to him, “what government needs to do is to address the issues with utmost sincerity and it is time for an honest introspection.”
Mr. Hashim added that “however, any group of people allegedly plotting extra-constitutional regime change under the cover of protest would be engaging in treason, and where credible evidence exists, would be answerable to the law.
“We are a democracy; one that some of us suffered dearly to establish. Though our democracy may be slow to produce positive results for our people, we must resist the temptation and seduction of unconstitutional change which in our immediate past has produced horrible outcomes.”
