The Presidency has affirmed the constitutional right of citizens to peaceful protest, amid increasing tensions and preparations for a nationwide demonstration scheduled to begin on August 1.
Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, emphasized in an interview that no one within the administration has the authority to deny Nigerians their right to peaceful protest. “We are not in office to dominate our people, but to serve them,” Ngelale said. He underscored that peaceful protest is a fundamental aspect of democracy, and the government is committed to defending this right, despite concerns about potential violence.
The declaration coincides with a day of pro-government rallies organized by All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmen across various state capitals and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
The Federal Government is also reportedly taking steps to address grievances from the youth, aiming to discourage the planned protests. These measures include job offers and grants through the state oil company and other incentives.
In a related development, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has called a meeting with Mr. Ebun Olu-Olu-Adegboruwa, SAN, the legal adviser for the protest organizers, to discuss the upcoming nationwide protest. The discussion focuses on ensuring the protest remains peaceful.
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Meanwhile, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has suggested that the protest may be motivated by politicians who lost the 2023 elections, while the APC’s South-West Executive Committee has urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and dismiss the protest.
Amid these tensions, the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, has instructed universities to prepare for the safety of their staff and students.
The protest, which comes in response to a cost-of-living crisis exacerbated by fuel subsidy removals and currency devaluation, is also seeing opposition from religious leaders and traditional rulers. Concerns about potential violence and economic disruption similar to past protests in Kenya have led to heightened caution from both government and security forces.
The Federal Government has introduced various measures, including a N110 billion youth investment fund, to mitigate the impact of rising inflation and support young Nigerians.
