The Presidency says it respects and upholds the right of every Nigerian to peaceful protest and civil campaign– whether to raise awareness on issues and even oppose the government.
According to a statement by the media aide to the President, Garba Shehu, it is the inalienable right of all citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to do so.
Shehu said there is a difference between peaceful call to protest and incitement for a revolution, noting that the organisation championing a planned action is not fronted by any serious public faces.
The statement called on the sponsors and organisers to have the decency to come forward and make their identity known – out of respect to all Nigerians – so that Nigerians can be fully aware in whose name this “revolution” is being proposed and who the beneficiaries may be.
Shehu noted in the statement that less than six months ago, Nigeria held simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections.
“Both contests were won resoundingly by President Muhammadu Buhari and his All Progressives Congress.
“The campaign was observed, and results were confirmed by international election monitoring groups and observers. The result was even contested by the losing presidential candidate and his party in Court.
“The ballot box is the only constitutional means of changing government and a president in Nigeria. The days of coups and revolutions are over.
“Those making the “revolution’’ call hide behind the veil of social media modernity. But without revealing the identity of their sponsors this shadowy campaign is no better, and no more democratic, than the days of old.
“The President called on all those who seek to use and hide behind everyday citizens to attain power through undemocratic and violent means, which has been alluded, to come out clearly and be identified. They should lead their march in person. Only then will they begin to have the right to call themselves leaders before the people of Nigeria”.