At a news conference in Abuja on Sunday, July 28, the group described Damagum’s endorsement of the protest as “shocking” and “inciting” and accused him of working to destabilise Nigeria.
Led by Adamu Kabir Matazu, the group claimed that Damagum’s actions were unsurprising, given his alleged loyalty to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who they claimed was his “paymaster.”
The group argued that the PDP, under Damagum’s leadership, was responsible for Nigeria’s current economic crisis, having laid the foundation during its 16-year rule.
They also accused Damagum of ignoring the terrorism and foreign interest links of some of the protest organisers.
The group demanded Damagum’s resignation as PDP acting chairman and called on the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to set up an inquiry into his activities and links to the planned protests.
They also urged the Department of State Services (DSS) to invite Damagum for questioning.
The group warned that Damagum’s actions were “playing with fire” and could lead to violence and destabilisation of the country.
They urged Nigerians to reject the planned protest and instead engage in constructive dialogue with the government.
In another report, Atiku Abubakar, the PDP presidential candidate in the 2019 and 2023 elections, has said that citizens’ rights to protest are enshrined in the Nigerian constitution and affirmed by the country’s courts.
In a statement posted on social media, which he personally signed on Tuesday, July 23, Atiku, a former vice-president and presidential hopeful, advised the Tinubu government not to ‘chase shadows’.
The PDP chieftain asserted that “a responsible government must ensure a safe and secure environment for citizens to exercise their constitutionally guaranteed rights to peaceful protest.”
Source: TimesNow.com.ng
