Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has cautioned the Federal Government against threatening the organisers of a planned nationwide protest over the harsh economic climate in the country.
Social media has been rife with hashtags about the protest, which is set to take place next month. Despite warnings from the federal government and security agencies, Falana insists that threats will not deter the demonstrations.
“How do you identify those who are issuing statements, those who are planning the protest, and then engage with them productively?” Falana was questioned on Tuesday’s edition of Channels Television’s Politics Today. H
I added, “But threats do not work. In fact, on some occasions, the desperation of the government also has a way of popularising such protests.”
President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday urged the organisers to call off the planned protest. “The issue of the planned protest, Mr. President, does not see any need for that.
“He’s asked them to shelve that plan. He’s asked them to await the government’s response to all their pleas,” the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, said at the State House in Abuja.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, also issued a warning about the protest, claiming it might turn violent.
However, Falana has urged the Federal Government to identify the protest leaders and engage in dialogue instead of issuing threats.
“So, this time around, the government should try to identify the leaders of the movement and then engage them, and then the questions should be raised.
“There are demands that are being made, and the government should address these demands,” the respected legal practitioner advised.
“Between now and the first of August is still a long way, and I understand the government is going to address the nation.
“It is also important for governors to really come out and let the people know what they are doing to address hardship in the country, which nobody is denying.”
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