Follow Us on Google
The protest by the Free Nigeria Movement entered its fourth day today.
Members of the group who were seen marching on major roads of Maitama in Abuja, the nation’s capital, sang solidarity songs with placards that showed their displeasure with the manner of conduct and outcome of the recently conducted presidential election of February 25, 2023.
The procession rose from the Unity Fountain and berthed at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The convener of the group, Moses Paul, explained that the protest became necessary due to the magnitude of impunity committed by the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Yakubu Mahmoud, during the collation of results describing the presidential election as a charade and the worst in the history of the country.
He said the spending on the election juxtaposed with the outcome culminated in total waste of the nation’s resources.
According to him, “Prof. Mahmoud represents everything that is wrong with Nigeria today. He had a simple straightforward role of collating and announcing the will of Nigerians.
“There are rules, guidelines and laws guiding conduct, collation and declaration of results. He spoke extensively on the promise of a free, fair and all inclusive election. But he chose the path of shame to become an instrument in the hands of the enemies of Nigeria.”
He maintained that the protest is neither for nor against any particular candidate but against “any further desecration of our laws,” insisting that “Nigeria sits at the edge of precipice and any more flagrant display of injustice or promotion of illegality could upset the balance.”
A classic expression of religious tolerance and beautiful display of our diversity occurred when the group paused its protest and gathered round to protect the Muslims as they held their Jumat prayers.
Responding to the allegation by the National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Barrister Felix Morka that the group is made up of disgruntled supporters sponsored by Mr. Peter Obi and Dr. Yusuf Datti Baba – Ahmed of the Labour Party, Dr. Moses Paul described them as unfounded, fictitious and a ploy to stoke bile and ill sentiments against lawful Nigerians who are within their rights to express displeasure with a fault that has the potential to bring harm to our democracy reiterating that the group and it’s demands are non-partisan.
The group maintained its call for the sack, arrest and prosecution of the INEC chairman, and the establishment of an interim government which will appoint a new INEC chairman to conduct a rerun of the presidential election. The protest continues tomorrow.
