Ahead of the planned nationwide protest on August 1, 2024, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Femi Falana has called on the Federal Government to listen to the demands of the organizers. He emphasized the importance of engaging with the leaders of the movement to address their grievances. Falana warned against threatening protesters, highlighting that such actions could worsen the situation and lead to more popular support for the protests.
In response to the growing calls for action on social media, President Bola Tinubu has urged protesters to hold off on their plans, promising that the government will address their concerns. However, there are voices, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Amnesty International, advocating for the citizens’ right to peaceful protest. They emphasize the importance of respecting the constitutional and international freedom of assembly.
Falana also stressed the need for state governors to communicate with residents and outline their plans to alleviate the hardships faced by the country. With August 1 still a considerable time away, there is a call for dialogue and constructive engagement to address the issues at hand.