President Muhammadu Buhari has released a statement warning those behind the planned August 5th 2019 protest march tagged #RevolutionNow to know that the days of Coups and revolutions are over, while also calling for the conveners to make their identities known to the public.
The statement which has been seen by some Nigerians replying the Presidency on its official Twitter handle as the Presidency developing cold feet on the planned Protest march/revolution, touched on a whole number of issues, from the election and the opposition parties. But the government hinted that it will always welcome peaceful protest by the citizenry to express their grievances, but added that protest march was different from incitement for revolution. See the full statement:
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE ELECTIONS MORE APPROPRIATE FOR CHANGE OF GOVERNMENT, NOT “REVOLUTION’’ – PRESIDENCY TELLS GROUP
Following calls circulating on social/digital media,an organisation that calls itself “Global Coalition for Security & Democracy in Nigeria” plans a “revolution” march tomorrow, Mon 5th Aug,with the aim of bringing “regime change” in Nigeria without recourse to a nationwide vote.
President Buhari and his administration respect and uphold the right of every Nigerian to peaceful protest and civil campaign—whether to raise awareness on issues, and even oppose the Govt. It is the inalienable right of ALL citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to do so.
There is, however, a difference between peaceful call to protest and incitement for a revolution.
The organisation championing this planned action is not fronted by any serious public faces. We call on the sponsors and organisers to have the decency to come forward and make their identity known – out of respect to all Nigerians so that Nigerians can be fully aware in whose name this “revolution” is being proposed and who the beneficiaries may be.
Less than six months ago, Nigeria held simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections. Both contests were won resoundingly by President Buhari
and his All-Progressives Congress (APC) party.
The campaign was observed, and results were confirmed by international election monitoring groups and observers. The result was even contested by the losing presidential candidate and his party in Court.
The ballot box is the only constitutional means of changing government and a president in Nigeria. The days of coups and revolutions are over.
Those making the “revolution” call hide behind the veil of social media modernity. But without revealing the identity of their sponsors this shadowy campaign is no better, and no more democratic, than the days of old.
The President calls on all those who seek to use and hide behind everyday citizens to attain power through undemocratic and violent means, which has been alluded, to come out clearly and be identified.
They should lead their march in person. Only then will they begin to have the right to call themselves leaders before the people of Nigeria.