The Federal Government came under criticism yesterday over its suppression of unarmed #RevolutionNow protesters.
The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress in the last general elections, Omoyele Sowore, had called for a mass protest against the alleged misgovernance of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration. Sowore was however arrested on Saturday by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Following its earlier description of the protest as treason, the Federal Government yesterday dispatched heavily armed security operatives across parts of the country to stop the march.
In Lagos State, the police fired live bullets and teargas canisters to disperse the protesters who had planned to gather at the National Stadium.
Operatives including those of the Army and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) also took up positions at potential convergence points at Freedom Park in Ojota, Oshodi, Ojuelegba, Ikeja Under Bridge, Governor’s Office Alausa, and Obalende, among others.
“Their planned protest is unlawful. They did not obtain permission for the protest. If they say they have the permission, let them show it. Anyone who foments trouble will be dealt with according to law,” said Lagos State Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), Mohammed Ali.
But at a press conference yesterday, the organisers of the protest vowed they would continue the demonstration today.
Lagos State police spokesman, Bala Elkana, confirmed the arrest of nine persons including one Victor Ogungbero, a video editor and cameraman with Sahara Reporters.
Heavily armed operatives also prevented the protest in Ibadan, Oyo State. As early as 6:30 a.m. the personnel had manned the main gate of the University of Ibadan in anticipation of a march.
“The police force in Oyo State will not fold its arms and allow any individual or group to create anarchy, chaos, and acts that can lead to the breakdown of law and order,” said the spokesman, Olugbenga Fadeyi.
One of the coordinators of the protest in Ore, Ondo State, Abiodun Oyekan, described the action of the police as barbaric, saying: “We condemn the dispersing of law-abiding citizens who are agitating for an egalitarian society in Ore today. They have shown force against us but nothing shall discourage us in agitating for freedom. We use this medium to also call for the release of the journalist who was arrested by the police in Ore.
“We have all gathered to raise out our voice for free, quality and compulsory education at all levels. We also want a democratic end to the issue of insecurity in the country, and ask the government to pay the minimum wage while also placing all politicians on minimum wage.”
In her reaction, Mrs. Oby Ezekwesili, former presidential candidate of the Allied Congress Party (ACP), decried the description of the protest as an unlawful assembly, and condemned the Federal Government for “stifling freedom.”
Supporters of the #Revolution Now protesting in Lagos …yesterday. PHOTO: NAJEEM RAHEEM
According to her, “Nigerians will not relent in their united effort to bring about a country that is governed better for the sake of posterity. The citizens of Nigeria are bigger than the country and will outlive the current leadership.”
Another former presidential candidate, Prof. Remi Sonaiya, asked: “What do the security agencies mean by Sowore crossing the line? What line has he crossed? Do citizens not have a right to protest against bad governance?”
The Leader of the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP), Alhaji Balarabe Musa, also condemned the arrest of Sowore and called for his immediate release.
He told The Guardian in an interview that citizens have a constitutional right to embark on a legitimate protest when the Federal Government fails to provide good governance.
