A former presidential candidate under the platform of People’s Trust, Gbenga Hashim, has maintained the constitutionally enshrined right of citizens to embark on peaceful protest.
In a statement released by his media team yesterday in Abuja, Hashim however cautioned protesters against seeking a change in government, describing it as treasonable.
He said the right to protest by any group of Nigerians or individuals concerning any situation is an essential part of citizens’ freedom of expression provided for in the Nigerian Constitution in so far as such rights are expressed peacefully without infringing on the rights of others.
He said there are legitimate grounds for Nigerian people to protest the prevailing economic situation and myriad of challenges not currently satisfactorily addressed.
He said; “Nigerians did protest in robust manners even under military rule. What government needs to do is to address the issues with utmost sincerity it is time for an honest introspection.
“However, any group of people allegedly plotting extra-constitutional regime change under the cover of protest would be engaged in treason and where credible evidence exists would be answerable to the law.
“We are a democracy, one that some of us suffered dearly to establish. Though our democracy may be slow to produce positive results for our people, we must resist the temptation and seduction of unconstitutional change which in our immediate past has produced horrible outcomes.
“Let us work instead harder to make our democracy produce more positive results, adding that God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria!”
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