Former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Uche Secondus, has stated that President Bola Tinubu lacks the moral authority to stop the planned #EndBadGovernance protest, as he is the biggest beneficiary of protests.
Secondus made this statement through his Special Adviser (Media), Ike Abonyi, in Abuja, on Tuesday. He recalled that Tinubu, while in opposition, was a notable leader in anti-government protests, and wondered why he should be opposed to it now.
Secondus noted that citizens have a civic duty to save the country from collapse due to economic crisis and insecurity caused by bad governance. He argued that the current state of chaos has worsened because citizens failed to hold governments accountable.
According to Secondus, political leaders often use partisan, ethnic, and religious sentiments to discourage protests when in government or encourage them when in opposition. He asserted that the planned #EndBadGovernanceProtest is a non-partisan, pan-Nigerian effort aimed at addressing the country’s malaise.
Secondus stated, “Protests remain the most potent democratic platform through which the consciousness of nations can be aroused, and indeed, the consciousness of the leadership elite can be nudged and compelled to act rightly in the interest of citizens.”
He referenced the Holy Bible, saying, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” applies to Nigeria’s situation. Secondus called on protesters to be peaceful and shun violence, and urged governments and security agencies to provide a secure environment for peaceful protests.
He emphasized, “This is not the time to sweep issues under the carpet; it is the time to speak truth to power and awaken our collective conscience so that we can work together to build a better society.”