Former PDP National Chairman Uche Secondus has declared that President Bola Tinubu lacks the moral authority to stop the planned #EndBadGovernance protest, citing his own history of participating in anti-government protests while in opposition.
In a statement released in Abuja on Tuesday, Secondus said that citizens have a civic duty to hold governments accountable and save the country from collapse amidst an economic crisis and insecurity.
He argued that the current state of anomie is a result of citizens failing to hold governments accountable and that political leaders often use partisan sentiments to discourage protests when in power.
Secondus described the planned protest as a non-partisan, pan-Nigerian effort aimed at addressing the country’s malaise and urged that it should not be discouraged.
He emphasized that protests are a potent democratic platform for arousing national consciousness and compelling leadership to act in citizens’ interests.
The former PDP chairman quoted the Bible, saying, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free,” and called for speaking truth to power to build a better society.
“In essence, 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,” he added.
He urged protesters to remain peaceful and organized and called on governments and security agencies to provide a secure environment for the protest, as guaranteed by international law and the Nigerian Constitution.