Tinubu Support Group Converges At Nyanya Market, Urges Nigerians To Shun August 1 Protests

By Emmanuel Kwada

Ahead of the August 1 Protest, a group of supporters of President Bola Tinubu converged at the POWA International Market in Nyanya, Abuja, this morning, wearing uniforms bearing the slogan “Say No To Protest”. The gathering, which took place peacefully, aimed to discourage Nigerians from participating in protests, citing concerns about public safety and security.

Speaking to one of the organizers, Ambi Christopher, he explained that the group’s motivation for supporting President Tinubu stems from his successful governance of Lagos State, which they believe can be replicated at the national level.

We are not against peaceful protests, but we are against chaos and destruction.

What is the motivation behind the “Say No to Protest” campaign, and how does it align with President Tinubu’s policies and values?

“We are not against peaceful protests, but we are against chaos and destruction,” Christopher said. “The opposition is trying to cause problems in the country, and we urge Nigerians to exercise patience and support the president’s efforts to lay a good foundation for the country’s future.”

“Our motivation for supporting President Tinubu is that we believe a man who governed Lagos State for eight years and made it one of the biggest economy states in the country and West Africa can do more for the country as president. It’s just a matter of time.

“We also discovered that the protest scheduled for tomorrow is not about the cost of living but about some people who lost in the 2023 elections trying to cause problems in the country, leading to destruction and loss of lives, just like what happened during the EndSARS protests in 2020.”

Don’t you think that protesting is a fundamental right of citizens in a democracy, and shouldn’t it be encouraged rather than discouraged?

“While it’s a constitutional right to protest peacefully, some people gearing up for the upcoming protest don’t know what the organizers want. The opposition is trying to cause chaos, and they should support the president to succeed instead of sponsoring people to destabilize the country. We need peace to succeed as a nation.”

The organizers have different motives from the people they claim to represent.

How do you plan to address the grievances and concerns of citizens who feel compelled to protest, if you’re discouraging them from doing so?

“We are not discouraging peaceful protests, but we are against chaos. The organizers have different motives from the people they claim to represent. They are using the current high cost of living to perpetually cause problems in the country, which will harm our system, farmers, businesses, and more.”

Isn’t the campaign’s message contradictory, given that you’re organizing a protest to say no to protests?

“I cannot say yes or no because we are here to say no to something that is not good.”

A peaceful protest can make them express their opinion, but the upcoming protest is a device to disorganize this administration

What alternative channels or mechanisms do you propose for citizens to express their dissent and advocate for change?

When asked about alternative channels for citizens to express their dissent and advocate for change, Christopher suggested peaceful protests, but emphasized that the upcoming protest is a device to disorganize the administration.
“A peaceful protest can make them express their opinion, but the upcoming protest is a device to disorganize this administration as I said earlier.”

How do you respond to critics who say that the campaign is an attempt to stifle dissenting voices and suppress opposition?

“We know this administration is trying hard to lay a good foundation that will benefit the country. You must deprive yourself of certain things to secure your future.”

Can you provide examples of how the government has addressed citizen concerns and implemented reforms, making protests unnecessary?

“As farmers, we have been given fertilizer, NYIF is ongoing to encourage entrepreneurs, there is a Students’ loan, Local government autonomy, and many policies that will impact the country positively.”

How do you balance the right to free speech and assembly with concerns about public safety and security?

“The security of this country is in the hands of intelligent people who are watching us. If you cause harm to anyone, the protest is wrong. Security should be vigilant and say no to violent protests.”
The group’s message has sparked mixed reactions, with some critics accusing them of attempting to stifle dissenting voices and suppress opposition. However, Christopher maintained that the administration is working hard to address citizens’ concerns and implement reforms, citing examples such as fertilizer distribution to farmers, the Nigeria Youth Investment Fund (NYIF), and local government autonomy.

As the country prepares for scheduled protests, the Tinubu support group’s gathering serves as a counter-narrative, urging Nigerians to prioritize peace and stability over public demonstrations.
“I appeal to citizens to exercise patience, things will get better soon, Christopher said.

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