A human rights activist, author, public affairs analyst, critic and an opinion moulder, Comrade Paul Ikechukwu Njoku, who participated in the RevolutionNow-protest, has reiterated that the Group can not be intimidated by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Recall that on August 4, 2020, the RevolutionNow protesters and other Nigerians demonstrated in Abuja, Lagos and other states in Nigeria demanding for the resignation of President Muhammadu Buhari, citing corruption, bad economy, poverty and insecurity.
It was reported that many of the protesters were humiliated, arrested and detained by the Police and army while some are yet to be released till date whilst the presidency tagged the protesters “irritants”.
In a future reaction, activist Paul Njoku, said:
“We cannot be intimidated. It is very shameful, nauseating and disgusting that President Muhammadu Buhari has abysmally failed to adhere to the tenets of democracy but enjoys brutalizing and incarcerating peaceful dissenters and rights activists having failed to protect the lives and property of Nigerians as enshrined in chapter 2 of the 1999 Constitution as amended.
“This government should hide her face in shame. It is utterly repugnant that Nigerian Police, army and other security agencies are busy brutalizing, arresting, incarcerating activists and other Nigerians who are peacefully protesting and urging the Buhari government to protect the miserable lives and property of Nigerians.
“Nigerian security agencies should learn to be civil and stop manhandling and militarizing the defenceless citizens for demanding good governance and responsible leadership.
“This government is utterly bereft of the fundamental workings of democracy and the rule of Law. They lack the basic democratic understanding of what a peaceful protest represents.
“Nigeria is a state party to the 1966 International Convenant on civil and political rights as enshrined in Article 21 which also covers the right to protests and peaceful assembly.
“I am proud that many rights activists are unveiling themselves and awakening other Nigerians as more citizens are breaking out of their carapaces and daring the undared. I strongly believe we shall conquer the tyrant of our time.
“This government knows that the chariots of Egypt are no match for a handful of Moses going by how they huddle in fright sensing the awakening of tumorous citizens. In other words, the deployment of the instruments of suppression against the Nigerian citizens is symptomatic of the authorities’ morbid fear and guilty conscience.
“I therefore urge the Buhari-led government to release all the prisoners of conscience incarcerated for asking for their fundamental human rights. He should abort his reckless impunity and undemocratic attributes of any sort and turn to the principles of democracy should he not resign for the sake of our constitution which has been murdered by his administration.
“A protest for change represents a judgement against undemocratic and tyrannic administration. Buhari government should appreciate the courage mustered by Nigerians to register their concerns in peaceful protests. Only a non-performing government is afraid of citizens’ protests or interpret civil actions as subversion”, Njoku stated.