Protesting Is A Right, But Regime Change Plots Are Illegal, Says Gbenga Hashim

Protesting Is A Right, But Regime Change Plots Are Illegal, Says Gbenga Hashim

Former presidential candidate Gbenga Hashim argued that the right to protest by any group of Nigerians or individuals is an essential part of the citizens’ freedom of expression, as provided in Nigeria’s Constitution, as long as such rights are exercised peacefully and without infringing on the rights of others.

In a statement by his media office, Hashim maintained that there are legitimate grounds for Nigerians to protest the prevailing economic situation and myriad of challenges that are not currently being satisfactorily addressed.

He noted that Nigerians even protested robustly under military rule.

According to him: “What government needs to do is to address the issues with utmost sincerity it is time for an honest introspection.”

Hashim added: “However, any group of people allegedly plotting extra-constutional regime change under the cover of protest would be engaged in treason and where credible evidence exists would be answerable to law.

“We are a democracy one that some of us suffer  dearly to establish. Though our democracy may be slow to produce positive results for our people, we must resist the temptation and seduction of unconstitutional change which in our immediate past has produced horrible out comes.”

He maintained: “Let us work instead harder to make our democracy produce more positive results, adding that God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”