By
Adetutu Sobowale
The National Rescue Movement, Ogun State Chapter, has condemned the government’s alleged sponsorship of protests against citizens exercising their constitutional right to demonstrate.
The NRM stated that the Federal Government must listen to Nigerians and stop undermining the protest.
In a statement issued on Friday, the NRM’s acting state Chairman, Olujobi Fayoyin, highlighted the irony of current government officials, who once protested when out of power, now attempting to suppress public dissent.
Fayoyin stressed that such actions are a betrayal of the citizens’ trust.
He said, “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.
“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.
“Those in the government now, who have sometimes protested against the status quo when they were not in power, should know that trying to stop people from protesting or sabotaging their gathering now is uncalled for.
“Whoever in government is doing this does not have love for the masses, and such persons should not be given a second chance if they are out for a political campaign.”
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.
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The chairman stressed 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.
“We must practice what we preach; otherwise, people’s faith in politicians will be lost totally and may be irredeemable,” he stressed.
Fayoyin called on all politicians to work together to build the country rather than sabotage the trust of Nigerians.
“I call on the President of the Nation and also the governors of the states to speak to people in a way they can understand, instead of making a show of force against the people.”
On Thursday, Nigerians took to the streets across the country to express their grievances, particularly over the rising cost of living.
Prior to this protest, some groups of people allegedly sponsored by the government paraded themselves as anti-protesters to thwart the planned protests.
Meanwhile, during the August 1st protest, some protesters were attacked by the anti-protesters.
