The National Rescue Movement (NRM), Ogun State Chapter, has condemned the government’s alleged attempts to undermine the ongoing nationwide protests against Nigeria’s economic hardships.
In a strongly worded statement, the NRM called on the Federal Government to listen to the people and stop suppressing the citizens’ constitutional right to demonstrate.
Olujobi Fayoyin, the NRM’s acting state Chairman, highlighted the irony of current government officials, who once protested when out of power, now trying to quash public dissent. He stressed that such actions are a betrayal of the citizens’ trust.
“It is very reckless and inhumane for the government to sponsor a protest against those who want to exercise their civic rights as bona fide Nigerians who have a constitutional right to protest,” 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.”
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 emphasized 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 stressed. “We must practice what we preach; otherwise, people’s faith in politicians will be lost totally and may be irredeemable.”
The NRM’s statement comes amid nationwide protests, dubbed the “#EndBadGovernanceInNigeria” campaign, which erupted on August 1, 2024. Citizens from various parts of the country have taken to the streets to express their grievances, particularly over the rising cost of living.
Prior to these protests, some groups of people allegedly sponsored by the government had paraded themselves as anti-protesters in an attempt to thwart the planned demonstrations. However, the NRM has urged the government to refrain from such tactics and instead engage in genuine dialogue with the people.
