Just hours before the scheduled nationwide “End Bad Governance in Nigeria” protest, the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) USA has publicly endorsed and expressed support for the peaceful demonstration set for Thursday, August 1.
Emphasizing that peaceful protest is a constitutional right as long as it remains non-violent, the NADECO USA warned that any attempts to intimidate participants would be a grave violation of democratic principles.
Speaking to journalists in Port Harcourt, NADECO USA President and CEO, Dr. Lloyd Ukwu, stated that instead of attempting to suppress the protest, the government should focus on addressing the issues that have led to public dissatisfaction.
He highlighted that Nigerians are frustrated with the administration’s ongoing requests for more time, questioning, “More time for what? To acquire more private jets or renovate more residences?”
Dr. Ukwu slammed the government for criminalizing protests by targeting its organizers, calling it disingenuous.
He also pointed out that Bola Tinubu and others now opposing the protest had previously participated in similar movements to voice their grievances.
“NADECO wishes to remind Mr Tinubu and the Nigerian people that Tinubu himself is a product of incessant and numerous protests beginning with Chief MKO Abiola’s June 12, 1993, annulled elections”.
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He listed recent examples where Tinubu participated or encouraged protests to further his political career to include “Tinubu calls out President Jonathan on Nigeria’s security – April 14, 2014”, “APC leaders and supporters display President Jonathan’s mock coffin in Ibadan – June 20, 2014”, “Chibok girls: NLC, TUC, Tinubu, APC women lead protest – May 14, 2014”. Others include: “Jonathan is worse than Nebuchadnezzar – Soyinka”, “Insecurity: Resign – Tinubu tells Jonathan – November 6, 2014”, “Tinubu blast Jonathan: You are Incompetent to rule – August 6, 2014”, “My heart bleeds for our people and the country over the deaths in Yanyan, Abuja. A government unable to protect its citizens deserves to be queried – Tinubu – April 14, 2014”.
In 2024, prominent figures like President Tinubu, Pastor Barare, Pastor Adeboye, and Professor Soyinka exercised their right to dissent, including symbolic acts criticizing the government. The coalition viewed it as ironic that some of these individuals would allegedly attempt to intimidate Nigerians who are defending their right to good governance.
Ukwu emphasized that protests have historically sparked significant social and political movements that expose injustice, corruption, and poor governance. The aim of protests, he noted, is to demand change rather than to antagonize the government.
He regretted that Nigerian leaders have often used tribalism, ethnicity, and religion to divide the people and suppress their demands. Ukwu affirmed that NADECO USA remains steadfast in its support for democracy, accountability, the rule of law, and good governance. He called on the international community to closely monitor the planned peaceful protest to ensure the safety of all Nigerian participants.
The coalition also expressed support for Nigerian youths and all who value democratic governance. To the security operatives, the group reminded them that under Section 83(A) of the Police Act, protesters have the right to be protected during demonstrations. They urged the police to remember that protesters are fellow citizens advocating for democracy, good governance, the rule of law, and accountability—values that benefit all Nigerians, including the security personnel and their families.
(Arise tv)
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