.Decry FG clampdown on protesters
The Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives is disturbed by the hostility of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government towards Nigerians protesting in commemoration of June 12 Democracy Day.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Leader of the caucus Hon.. Ndudi Elumelu which was issued to newsmen in Abuja after the protests in parts of the country
The minority caucus holds that the show of brute hostility and violent assault on Nigerians by the security forces is condemnable, unjustifiable and at total variance with fundamental democratic ethos of freedom of expression as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
As lawmakers, our caucus is disturbed that such violation of human rights and inexcusable assault on the foundation of democracy could happen even on a day set aside by the government to celebrate democracy in the country.
The minority caucus notes that the ugly situation, which must be condemned by all, has further exposed the anti-democratic proclivities of the present administration, which has continued to worsen.
In full recognition that the right to peaceful protest is guaranteed by our constitution, the minority caucus will take very strong legislative steps in reviewing the situation with a view to getting redress for Nigerians as well as curbing the violation of human rights in the country.
Democracy has come to stay in Nigeria as a system of government, and as such, its tenets and principles, including the freedom of expression must be fully adhered to at all times.
Moreover, the caucus holds that this development should serve as a wakeup call for our youths to redouble their desire to participate in choosing who governs them in the near future and prepare to vote out the APC that has shown a brutish detestation for peaceful gathering of citizens in their quest for good governance, as witnessed today.
The caucus however urges Nigerians to remain law-abiding and not allow the provocations to detract from their demand for the entrenchment of democratic tenets in the country.
