Presidency to Group: Revolution not appropriate for change of government

The Presidency on Sunday declared that revolution is not the
best option of changing a government.

It however said that a more appropriate option is to go through
elections.

The Presidency, through a statement by the Senior Special
Assistant on Media and publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, was reacting
to the scheduled “revolution” march on Monday 5th August, by the
Global Coalition for Security and Democracy in Nigeria.

He said “Following calls circulating on social and digital
media, an organisation that calls itself the “Global Coalition for
Security and Democracy in Nigeria” plans a “revolution” march
tomorrow, Monday 5th August, with the aim of bringing “regime
change” in Nigeria without recourse to a nationwide vote.

“The President of Nigeria and his administration respect and
uphold the right of every Nigerian to peaceful protest and civil
campaign– whether to raise awareness on issues, and even oppose the
government. It is the inalienable right of all citizens of the
Federal Republic of Nigeria to do so.

“There is, however, a difference between peaceful call to
protest and incitement for a revolution.

“The organization championing this planned action is not fronted
by any serious public faces. We call on the sponsors and organizers
to have the decency to come forward and make their identity known –
out of respect to all Nigerians – so that Nigerians can be fully
aware in whose name this “revolution” is being proposed and who the
beneficiaries may be.”

He recalled that less than six months ago, Nigeria held
simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections, which were
won resoundingly by President Muhammadu Buhari and his All
Progressives Congress party.

He added that the campaign was observed, while results were
confirmed by international election monitoring groups and
observers.

‘The result was even contested by the losing presidential
candidate and his party in Court.” he said

He went on “The ballot box is the only constitutional means of
changing government and a president in Nigeria. The days of coups
and revolutions are over.

“Those making the “revolution’’ call hide behind the veil of
social media modernity. But without revealing the identity of their
sponsors this shadowy campaign is no better, and no more
democratic, than the days of old.

“The President calls on all those who seek to use and hide
behind everyday citizens to attain power through undemocratic and
violent means, which has been alluded, to come out clearly and be
identified.

“They should lead their march in person. Only then will they
begin to have the right to call themselves leaders before the
people of Nigeria.” he said

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