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Award-winning Nigerian singer, 2face Idibia has called on Nigerians to join him in a nationwide protest against the Federal Government.
According to the artiste, who made this call on his instagram page says it is a call for good governance and an urgent explanation for the economic downturn nationwide. The planned protest is scheduled to hold Monday, 6 February. Since the announcement, the 'African Queen' crooner has received tremendous support and backing, and with the trending #iStandWith2Baba hashtag on social media.
In a twist, another group, supporters of President Muhammadu Buhari are set to hold a solidarity protest on 5th February, 2017, a day before Tuface Idibia will be leading an anti-Buhari protest.
The Presidency also reacted to the protest. Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, said that Tuface Idibia and others planning the anti-government protest in February are still angry with the outcome of the 2015 elections.
According to him: ''They have not gotten out of it and till today, they are still living and "rheumatisizing" about the past. What they don't know is that that past is gone and gone forever. Majority of those calling for the protest are still in election mode. Majority of them are people that have resolved not to see anything good in this administration simply because the man they wanted lost at the polls" he said.
While #iStandWith2Baba protest has garnered prominent support from entertainers like Olamide, comedian I go dye, Bovi, Funke Adesiyan have boycotted the protest.
But, here are reasons why Nigerians should #standwith2baba in the protest.
1. Labour Unions are no longer sincere with protests: Nigeria's labour unions seem to be dancing to the tune of the government of the day. Since Buahri's inauguration, we have not a major demonstration from the Nigerian Labour Congress protesting the present state of the nation.
2. It is the first massive Nationwide protest since Buhari clinched on to power: This protest happens to be the first call since President Buhari got hold of power. A seemingly relaxed government, 2 years down the lane, the FG has not felt the pulse of Nigerians directly through protests to show that the 'Change' mantra is confusing – hopefully this protest will make the government think, and cause a redirection in running the affairs of the country.
3. Right timing: The protest itself is long over-due. It is coming at a time when things are evidently not working well. This protest is hopefully to get things back on track.
4. It is a Civic right, and democratically true: The protest is not about 2face. It is a civic right – and the right thing to do. The right to assemble, picket, rally, march and protest is an important aspect of all democratic and free societies. This right is constitutionally guaranteed in the 1999 Constitution, and this is significant because it is a potent symbol of the exercise of rights by which citizens can positively support a democratic and constitutional order, influence their government and leaders, and the right to challenge the dominant views within the society to promote the interest and views of minority groups.
5. Nigerians should not die in silence: This protest is to make Nigerians voice out their grievances and with the state of things in the country, and the harsh realities the citizens are daily faced with.
6. Social Media Protests Alone Won't Do: Nigerians have for so long protested on social media. We need a more pragmatic approach to handle situations. This protest will help enable that.
According to the artiste, who made this call on his instagram page says it is a call for good governance and an urgent explanation for the economic downturn nationwide. The planned protest is scheduled to hold Monday, 6 February. Since the announcement, the 'African Queen' crooner has received tremendous support and backing, and with the trending #iStandWith2Baba hashtag on social media.
In a twist, another group, supporters of President Muhammadu Buhari are set to hold a solidarity protest on 5th February, 2017, a day before Tuface Idibia will be leading an anti-Buhari protest.
The Presidency also reacted to the protest. Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, said that Tuface Idibia and others planning the anti-government protest in February are still angry with the outcome of the 2015 elections.
According to him: ''They have not gotten out of it and till today, they are still living and "rheumatisizing" about the past. What they don't know is that that past is gone and gone forever. Majority of those calling for the protest are still in election mode. Majority of them are people that have resolved not to see anything good in this administration simply because the man they wanted lost at the polls" he said.
While #iStandWith2Baba protest has garnered prominent support from entertainers like Olamide, comedian I go dye, Bovi, Funke Adesiyan have boycotted the protest.
But, here are reasons why Nigerians should #standwith2baba in the protest.
1. Labour Unions are no longer sincere with protests: Nigeria's labour unions seem to be dancing to the tune of the government of the day. Since Buahri's inauguration, we have not a major demonstration from the Nigerian Labour Congress protesting the present state of the nation.
2. It is the first massive Nationwide protest since Buhari clinched on to power: This protest happens to be the first call since President Buhari got hold of power. A seemingly relaxed government, 2 years down the lane, the FG has not felt the pulse of Nigerians directly through protests to show that the 'Change' mantra is confusing – hopefully this protest will make the government think, and cause a redirection in running the affairs of the country.
3. Right timing: The protest itself is long over-due. It is coming at a time when things are evidently not working well. This protest is hopefully to get things back on track.
4. It is a Civic right, and democratically true: The protest is not about 2face. It is a civic right – and the right thing to do. The right to assemble, picket, rally, march and protest is an important aspect of all democratic and free societies. This right is constitutionally guaranteed in the 1999 Constitution, and this is significant because it is a potent symbol of the exercise of rights by which citizens can positively support a democratic and constitutional order, influence their government and leaders, and the right to challenge the dominant views within the society to promote the interest and views of minority groups.
5. Nigerians should not die in silence: This protest is to make Nigerians voice out their grievances and with the state of things in the country, and the harsh realities the citizens are daily faced with.
6. Social Media Protests Alone Won't Do: Nigerians have for so long protested on social media. We need a more pragmatic approach to handle situations. This protest will help enable that.
