Presidential Spokesman Ajuri Ngelale affirms the Tinubu administration’s commitment to upholding Nigerians’ right to peaceful protest, addressing concerns over potential hijacking of protests and ensuring security measures are in place.
In a recent interview with TVC, Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Advisor on Media and Publicity to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, strongly reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to upholding the right of Nigerians to engage in peaceful protests. Addressing concerns raised by citizens and officials alike, Ngelale emphasized that no member of the government has the authority to prevent peaceful demonstrations.
“Let me be very clear this evening in front of the nation, there is nobody within our administration that has the standing, the command, or the gravitas to tell any Nigerian citizen that they cannot peacefully protest in any part of this country,” Ngelale stated. He underscored that the Tinubu administration is in office to serve the people, not dominate them, and that peaceful protest is a cornerstone of a functioning democracy.
Ajuri Ngelale recounted President Tinubu’s history as an activist, highlighting how peaceful protests played a critical role in Nigeria’s return to civilian rule in 1999. “It will never be a president with that background that would in any way insinuate or suggest that Nigerians should not engage in peaceful protest if they have decided to do so,” he asserted.
However, Ngelale also addressed the legitimate concerns surrounding the potential for protests to be hijacked by malicious elements, drawing lessons from the EndSARS protests. He acknowledged the fears that such scenarios could recur but maintained that these concerns should not invalidate the right to protest.
“We don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater,” Ngelale remarked. He pointed out that while Nigerians are aware of the consequences of violent disruptions during protests, it is crucial to trust in their ability to conduct peaceful demonstrations.
Ajuri Ngelale further elaborated on the government’s responsibility to protect citizens and their properties during protests. He assured that security agencies are prepared to prevent any attempts by political interest groups or mischievous individuals to exploit peaceful protests for ulterior motives. “Our security agencies are on top of that. But ultimately, we believe in the wisdom of our people, in the principles and values shared by our people,” he concluded.
The Tinubu administration remains unequivocal in its stance: the right to peaceful protest is inviolable, and measures will be taken to ensure such protests are conducted safely and without interference from disruptive elements.
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