The National Rescue Movement, Ogun State Chapter, has condemned the Federal Government’s alleged sponsorship of protests against citizens exercising their constitutional right to demonstrate, describing it as “reckless and inhumane”.
In a statement issued on Friday, the NRM’s acting state Chairman, Olujobi Fayoyin, said, “It shows that the government is not ready to listen to people, and therefore, whatever happens at the end of this protest will be a result of what the government has orchestrated against the protesters.”
Fayoyin stressed that government officials who once protested when out of power should not attempt to suppress public dissent, adding that such actions are a betrayal of the citizens’ trust. “Those in government now, who have sometimes protested against the status quo when they were not in power, should know that trying to stop people from protesting or sabotaging their gathering now is uncalled for,” he said.
The NRM urged the government to adhere to democratic principles by listening to the people’s grievances and engaging in meaningful dialogue rather than employing force. Fayoyin called on all politicians to work together to build the country rather than sabotage the trust of Nigerians. “I call on the President of the Nation and also the governors of the states to speak to people in a way they can understand, instead of making a show of force against the people,” he said.
On Thursday, Nigerians took to the streets across the country to express their grievances, particularly over the rising cost of living. Prior to this protest, some groups of people allegedly sponsored by the government paraded themselves as anti-protesters to thwart the planned protests. Meanwhile, during the August 1st protest, some protesters were attacked by the anti-protesters.
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The NRM chairman stressed the need for government officials to genuinely serve the people and restore faith in Nigeria’s political system. “Anyone who wants to serve in government must be ready to listen to the people and must do their will since democracy is a government of the people, by the people, and for the people,” he said.
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