Disagreement Over Planned Protests: Atiku And UN Clash

Disagreement Over Planned Protests: Atiku And UN Clash

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and the United Nations (UN) are at odds over the upcoming protests against economic hardship in Nigeria.

Atiku has called on the Federal Government to permit Nigerians to exercise their constitutional right to peaceful protest, criticizing the current administration for attempting to suppress these rights. He highlighted the irony of those now stifling protests having been leaders in protests themselves in 2012. Atiku denounced President Bola Tinubu’s administration as incompetent and argued that suppressing protests is both unconstitutional and undemocratic.

In a recent statement on X, Atiku said, “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.”

In contrast, the UN Department of Safety and Security has expressed concerns that the planned protests may be hijacked by groups with hidden agendas. According to a threat assessment report dated July 19, the UN warns of potential violence and disruption, citing past incidents where similar protests escalated into civil unrest. The report references the February 2023 protests related to currency shortages, which led to vandalism and road blockages.

The UN’s assessment notes, “The anticipated high turnout for the ‘10 days of rage’ protest could lead to large-scale disruptions of normal economic and social activities.”

Furthermore, Bayo Onanuga, the presidential aide on information and strategy, has alleged that the protests are being organized by supporters of Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate. Onanuga suggested that these organizers might be linked to the 2020 #EndSARS protest, which he described as an attempt at a “civilian coup.”

As tensions rise, the debate between Atiku and the UN underscores the challenges facing Nigeria as it grapples with economic difficulties and political dissent.