Amid the biting hardship in the country, the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties, CNPP, has warned the Federal Government against moves to clamp down on some individuals perceived to be enemies of the President Bola Tinubu administration when they embark on a protest.
The planned nationwide protest, being mobilized with the hashtags #TinubuMustGo and #Revolution2024, is scheduled to be held on August 1.
READ ALSO: Nothing Will Stop Our Protest In August – Sowore To Presidency
CNPP, an umbrella body of Nigerian political parties and political associations, urged the government to focus on addressing the genuine concerns of suffering Nigerians due to the increasing cost of living and loss of jobs and businesses, rather than planning to silence individuals and groups who are speaking out.
In a press statement signed by its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Comrade James Ezema, the association raised the alarm over the government’s antics of pointing accusing fingers at individuals and groups over the rumours of looming massive protests in the country by hungry and jobless citizens.
CNPP, in the statement made available to journalists on Sunday, said the government is showing signs of desperation to cling to power at all costs.
READ ALSO: Planned Nationwide Protest: Presidency, LP At Loggerheads
“The recent warning by the government to individuals and groups not to go ahead with the planned protests is a clear indication of its desperation to cling to power at all costs irrespective of the well-being of citizens.”
“It is unacceptable for the Federal Government’s spokespersons to suggest plans to silence individuals and groups who are simply voicing the concerns of the masses,” the CNPP said.
The CNPP warned that clamping down on individuals and groups could escalate the looming protests, as happened in Kenya recently. “The government should learn from history and address the root causes of the rumoured protests, rather than trying to suppress them,” the CNPP said.
