Femi Falana, a distinguished human rights lawyer, has boldly declared that the Nigerian government’s threats will not deter the upcoming nationwide demonstration against the country’s deteriorating economic situation.
Nigerian citizens have been gearing up for a nationwide protest between August 1st and August 10th, 2024, with a resolute determination to fill the streets and major roads to demand improved governance. This planned mass mobilization is set to reverberate across the country as an expression of people power against the prevailing economic and political situation.
In a move to quell the simmering discontent among Nigerians and prevent a mass demonstration, President Bola Tinubu has appealed to the people to forgo their planned #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests and allow the government to address their grievances
The National Orientation Agency (NOA), the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), and the House of Representatives have each issued warnings against the planned demonstrations, cautioning citizens against taking part in the mass mobilization.
Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, had warned that the protest could lead to destruction similar to the #EndSARS protests in 2020.
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun had similarly urged Nigerians to abandon the planned #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests.
The police boss had said this on Tuesday during a meeting with commissioners of police in Abuja, stating that holding a nationwide protest would add more woes to the country’s socioeconomic challenges.
Reacting to these developments in an interview on Channels TV on Tuesday, the prominent human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, responded to the warnings from government bodies and agencies against the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests. Speaking in his characteristic bold tone, Falana took aim at the authorities’ attempts to silence dissent, stating that the Nigerian people have a constitutional right to assemble peacefully and make their voices heard.
Femi Falana said, “How do you identify those who are issuing statements; those who are planning the protest, and then engage with them productively?”
He continued: “But threats do not work. In fact, on some occasions, the desperation of the government also has a way of popularising such protests.”
As an alternative to the government’s tactics of issuing threats, Falana proposed that the Nigerian authorities should engage in a dialogue with the organizers of the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests. He emphasized the importance of identifying and consulting with the protest leaders, calling on the government to initiate a meaningful conversation aimed at finding solutions to the pressing economic concerns facing the Nigerian people.
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