It Is Only Through Ballot You Can Change Government, Not Through Revolution, Presidency Tells Group
The Presidency has told the group planning to hold a protest tagged ‘Revolution Now’ to seek a change of government through an election.
The Presidency in a statement signed by Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity said every Nigerian have the right to peaceful protest and civil campaign– whether to raise awareness on issues, and even oppose the government, but it is the inalienable right of all citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to do so.
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“Following calls circulating on social and digital media, an organisation that calls itself the “Global Coalition for Security and Democracy in Nigeria” plans a “revolution” march tomorrow, Monday 5th August, with the aim of bringing “regime change” in Nigeria without recourse to a nationwide vote.
“The President of Nigeria 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 government. It is the inalienable right of all citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to do so.
“There is, however, a difference between a 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.”
While recalling that elections were held less than six months ago, Presidency reaffirmed that the ballot box is the only constitutional means of changing government and a president in Nigeria, adding that the days of coups and revolutions are over.
“Nigeria held simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections. Both contests were won resoundingly by President Muhammadu Buhari and his All-Progressives Congress 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.
“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.”
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President Muhammadu Buhari, therefore, called 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.”
