Renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana has cautioned the Federal Government against issuing threats to the organisers of a planned nationwide protest in response to the country's harsh economic climate. The protest, widely discussed on social media under various hashtags, is scheduled for next month.
Falana emphasized that threats would not deter the protest and suggested that the government should instead engage with the organisers constructively. Speaking on Channels Television’s "Politics Today" on Tuesday, he said, “How do you identify those who are issuing statements; those who are planning the protest, and then engage with them productively? But threats do not work. In fact, on some occasions, the desperation of the government also has a way of popularizing such protests.”
On the same day, President Bola Tinubu urged the protest organisers to reconsider their plans. "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," stated Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information, at the State House in Abuja.
In addition, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun issued a warning about the protest, suggesting it could potentially turn violent.
However, Falana advised the government to identify and engage with the protest leaders to address their demands. “So, this time around the government should try to identify the leaders of the movement and then engage them, and then the questions be raised. There are demands that are being made, and the government should address these demands,” he said.
Falana also noted that there is still time before the planned protest on August 1 for the government to take meaningful action. “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.”