Nigerian political economist Pat Utomi refutes the presidency’s allegations of organizing an anti-government protest, emphasizing the importance of protests as a democratic right.
ALL FACTS NEWSPAPER reports that prominent Nigerian political economist, Pat Utomi, has responded to allegations from the presidency that he is one of the organizers of the planned nationwide protest set for August. The claims were made by Bayo Onanuga, a senior spokesperson for President Bola Tinubu, who accused supporters of Labour Party’s Peter Obi of orchestrating the “End Bad Government” protest.
Onanuga specifically named Pat Utomi, alongside other individuals, as key figures behind the protest. However, Utomi took to his official X (formerly Twitter) account to clarify his stance and defend the democratic right to protest.
In his post, Utomi stated, “Let it be clear that I have nothing against protests. It is a legitimate instrument of democracy for raising the voice of citizens. I have participated in many in my time, from my undergraduate days at UNN to marching with concerned professionals following the June 12 election annulment.”
He also mentioned his support for the 2020 EndSARS protests, despite not knowing the organizers personally. Utomi emphasized that if he were involved in the planned August protest, he would proudly acknowledge it. “So if I were part of whatever is being planned for August, I would wear it as a badge of honor and not wait to be called out by Bayo Onanuga,” he asserted.
Utomi’s response highlights his belief in the power and necessity of peaceful protests in a functioning democracy. His statement comes amidst growing tensions and public dissatisfaction with the current administration’s policies and governance.
This latest development adds another layer to the ongoing discourse on citizens’ rights to protest and the government’s response to such movements. As the planned protest date approaches, all eyes will be on how both the organizers and the government handle the situation.
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