Comrade Ayodele Olawande, Tinubu’s Minister for Youth Development, has weighed in on the activities of protesters across the federation and efforts from the military to sabotage them.
Speaking during a press briefing on Monday in Abuja, Olawande mentioned that citizens are free to protest and that, given the chance, he would have joined the protest himself.
He, however, stressed the need for cautionary acts by protesters during protests across the federation so as not to allow things to degenerate far beyond where they presently are.
“Everyone has the right to protest. In fact, if I had the time, I would join the protest myself. There is freedom of expression for all. The young people who are protesting have valid reasonsโthey see certain issues and feel the need to speak up. Thatโs why they are taking to the streets.
โHowever, while exercising this right, let it not escalate into something else. We will not allow anyone to destroy the infrastructural developments that support our economy and the progress weโve made in this country.
โYes, you have the right to speak, to come out and make your voice heardโeven to stand by the roadsideโbut do not block the roads. Find a peaceful way to express your concerns; people will listen. If I have the opportunity, Iโll be there to speak with them as well.
โProtesting is a normal part of any society, and we are here to listen. No government is saying you shouldnโt protestโbut there must be limits and a sense of responsibility.โ
The protest, which was organized by the Take-It-Back Movement and other social groups, is a nationwide activity geared towards finding a lasting solution to the economic hardship in the country, reversing the emergency rule in Rivers State, and restoring normalcy, as well as addressing the alleged misuse of cybercrime.
The protesters who had gathered at the Federal Capital Territory were reportedly said to be teargased with some being apprehended in the course of their protest.
In an audacious move, the Take-it-Back Movement in collaboration with other social groups have avowed their commitment, stating that the protest will proceed hitherto with the mandate of addressing the perceived authoritarianism, inappropriate dissemination of Cybercrime Act and abuse of the fundamental human rights of the citizens by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
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