Any Nigerian Has Constitutional Right To Protest, But Can’t Be A Distraction, Presidency

The Presidency has admitted that any Nigerian has the constitutional right to protest against the government or the President, Muhammadu Buhari, but that such protest would not distract the government from its focused programmes.

“The government is busy with the reconstruction and rehabilitation of infrastructure all over the country. It is creating jobs for the unemployed. It has set its sights on the larger picture of the country’s development; investing in rail and power projects and redeeming the country’s image from the mountains of corruption scandals that have marred it.

“We will not, therefore, be distracted by this or any other groups.”

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, who made these known in a statement today,Monday, reacting to call by some protesters that ailing President Muhammadu Buhari should either return to the country or resign, said that such call is an irrational assault on the nation’s constitution.

He said that the demonstration by a few Nigerians in Abuja, is in the exercise of their freedom under the constitution, which guarantees their right to embark on peaceful protests, saying: “so long as they remain peaceful, we have no problem with them. What is democracy if citizens can’t peacefully demonstrate?

“On the second issue, demanding the President’s return, or resignation or certain explanations, I would say that they have over-stepped their bounds.

“The President has complied 100 percent with the constitution by handing over power to the Vice-President before proceeding on his vacation. He has not breached any law or the constitution by staying away from office to take care of his health.

“Equally, there is nothing like a power vacuum in the country given the competence and general harmony with which the whole government is running.

“Any such calls as being made by this or any other group represent an irrational assault on the constitution and should be ignored by well-meaning members of the public.

“The need of the hour for this country is to rid it of corruption, reform and reinvigorate the economy and to fight crime and insurgency.”

[myad]