Falana tells Tinubu, speak up, let citizens know how you’re tackling hardship
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Threatening hunger protesters will not deter citizens agitating against wasteful allocation of national resources and plunging everyone deeper into poverty, human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN has told Bola Tinubu, urging him instead to use his presidential position to engage the organisers in a meaningful and responsible manner to address the grouses.
“How do you identify those who are issuing statements; those who are planning the protest, and then engage with them productively?” Falana asked on Channels Television
“But threats do not work. In fact, on some occasions, the desperation of the government also has a way of popularising such protests.”
Tinubu has asked the organisers to shelve the protest, in a speech delivered by Information Minister Mohammed Idris.
“The issue of the planned protest, Mr President does not see any need for that. He’s asked them to shelve that plan. He’s asked them to await the government’s response to all their pleas,” Idris said in Abuja.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokunhas equally warned against the protest, claiming it may turn violent.
However, Falana counselled the government to identify the leaders of the protest and dialogue with them instead of issuing threats.
“So, this time around the government should try to identify the leaders of the movement and then engage them, and then the questions be raised. There are demands that are being made, and the government should address these demands ….
“I understand the government is going to address the nation. It is also important for Governors to really come out and let the people know what they are doing to address hardship in the country which nobody is denying.”
Others have also advised Tinubu to allow youths to proceed with the planned protest.
“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,” former Vice President Atiku Abubakar tweeted.
Amnesty International insisted, “Threatening peaceful protesters is unlawful. It is a clear attack on freedom of assembly – which is guaranteed by international law and Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution:
“Nigerians must not be denied the constitutionally and internationally guaranteed right to peaceful protest; through veiled threats of violence and false insinuations.”
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