Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has urged the Federal Government to avoid issuing threats against the organizers of a planned nationwide protest addressing the country’s harsh economic conditions.
With social media abuzz with hashtags about the protest scheduled for next month, the Federal Government and security agencies have cautioned against the demonstrations.
However, Falana argues that threats will not deter the protest.
“How do you identify those who are issuing statements; those who are planning the protest, and then engage with them productively?” Falana questioned during Tuesday’s edition of Channels Television’s Politics Today. “But threats do not work. In fact, on some occasions, the desperation of the government also has a way of popularizing such protests.”
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President Bola Tinubu has called on the organizers to cancel the planned protest.
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“The issue of the planned protest, Mr President does not see any need for that. He’s asked them to shelve that plan. He’s asked them to await the government’s response to all their pleas,” said Minister of Information Mohammed Idris at the State House in Abuja.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun also issued a warning, claiming the protest might turn violent.
However, Falana advises the Federal Government to identify and engage with the protest leaders instead of resorting to threats.
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“So, this time around the government should try to identify the leaders of the movement and then engage them, and then the questions be raised. There are demands that are being made, and the government should address these demands,” Falana stated.
“Between now and the first of August is still a long way and I understand the government is going to address the nation. It is also important for governors to really come out and let the people know what they are doing to address hardship in the country which nobody is denying.”
