By Adeleke Ademola
(IT Student, Westland University)
The Ogun State Chapter of the National Rescue Movement (NRM) has criticized the federal government for allegedly supporting counter-protests against citizens exercising their constitutional right to protest.
The NRM stressed the importance of the FG listening to Nigerians and ceasing actions that undermine the protest.
In a statement released on Friday, NRM’s acting state chairman, Olujobi Fayoyin, highlighted the irony of current government officials, who previously protested when not in power, now attempting to suppress public dissent.
Fayoyin emphasized that such actions betray the citizens’ trust.
It is extremely irresponsible and heartless for the government to finance a demonstration against individuals exercising their civic rights as legitimate Nigerians with a constitutional right to protest, he stated.
It indicates that the government is unwilling to heed the people, and thus, whatever unfolds at the conclusion of this protest will be a consequence of what the government has orchestrated against the protesters.
Those in power now, who previously demonstrated against the established order when they were not in authority, should realize that attempting to prevent individuals from protesting or undermining their assembly is unjustified.
Whoever in government is engaging in this lacks empathy for the masses, and such individuals should not be granted another opportunity if they are pursuing a political campaign.
The NRM urged the government to uphold democratic values by listening to the people’s complaints and engaging in constructive discussions instead of resorting to force.
