Olumide Osaigbeve Akpata, former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and current Labour Party candidate for the Edo 2024 Election, has issued a statement supporting the planned nationwide protests scheduled for August 1st, 2024.
In his statement, Akpata firmly supports the constitutional right of citizens to protest, stating, “The right to peaceful assembly and free expression, including the right of citizens to protest, are fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Addressing protesters, Akpata urged, “Remain peaceful and law-abiding, even in the face of potential provocation. Your conduct during these protests will speak volumes about the depth of your convictions and the strength of our democracy.”
To security agencies, he emphasized the need for restraint: “I urge the utmost restraint and professionalism in managing these protests. Your primary duty is to protect and serve the citizens of Nigeria, including those exercising their right to protest.”
Akpata called on the government at all levels to engage in “deep reflection and decisive action,” stressing that “The voices of the people, expressed through these protests, should not be dismissed or suppressed but should serve as a catalyst for positive change.”
Dismissing speculation about protest sponsors, Akpata stated, “The root cause of this civic action is painfully evident in the current state of our beloved country. The harsh economic realities faced by countless Nigerians, many of whom struggle daily to meet basic needs, serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for decisive action.”
He emphasized the importance of the right to protest in a democracy, describing it as “a vital mechanism for citizens to participate actively in the governance of their country.”
Akpata concluded by calling on all stakeholders to approach the coming days with “a sense of patriotism, responsibility, and unwavering commitment to the principles of democracy.” He expressed hope that this moment could be used “as an opportunity to strengthen our democratic institutions, address pressing national issues, and move our beloved country towards a more prosperous and equitable future.”
The statement, released on July 29, 2024, comes as Nigeria prepares for the August 1st demonstrations against perceived inadequacies in governance. As a prominent legal figure and political candidate, Akpata’s comprehensive address offers a balanced perspective on the planned protests, emphasizing both the rights of citizens and the need for responsible action from all parties involved.
The post August 1st Protests An Opportunity To Strengthen Nigeria’s Democracy And Institutions — Fmr NBA President Akpata appeared first on TheNigeriaLawyer.