Former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, has frowned at the attempt by the Federal Government to scuttle the planned protest by some Nigerians over the harsh economic conditions in the country, saying that it is ironic that those who are stifling rights today led protests in 2012.
In a post on his X handle, @atiku, on Tuesday, he reminded government that the rights of citizens to protest is enshrined in the constitution.
He said trying to rope persons in as sponsors of the protest is an exercise in futility.
He posted: “For the avoidance of doubt, the rights of citizens to protest are ENSHRINED in the Nigerian Constitution and AFFIRMED by our courts.
“Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as altered) unequivocally guarantees the right to peaceful assembly and association.
“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.
“It is deeply ironic that those who now seek to stifle these rights were themselves leading protests in 2012. A responsible government must ensure a SAFE and SECURE environment for citizens to exercise their constitutionally guaranteed rights to PEACEFUL PROTEST.
“Any attempt to suppress these rights is not only unconstitutional but a direct affront to our democracy.”
The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election also expressed concern over the conflict between the Dangote refinery and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) stressing the importance of the multibillion dollar investment to the economy of the country.
He warned that investors will not trust any nation that undermines key assets.
Atiku said in another post on X: “The conflict between @AlikoDangote and @NMDPRA_Official is troubling. The Dangote Refinery, our nation’s largest private investment, is crucial for Nigeria’s energy and economic stability.
“The 650,000 bpd refinery is essential for our energy needs and economic stability, and NNPCL’s investment underscores its importance.
“If we neglect this, we risk deterring vital foreign direct investment.
No investor will trust a nation that undermines its key assets.
“Protecting significant investments like Dangote’s is essential to attract FDI and drive our economic growth.”
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