SAN FRANCISCO, February 05, (THEWILL) – Coalition in Defence of Nigerian democracy and Constitution (CDNDC), a Civil society group, has vowed to go ahead with Monday’s protest convened by hip hop musician, Innocent Idibia, aka 2Face.
Although, 2Face, on Saturday, cancelled the protest following security advice from the Police declaring that the protest is under serious threat of hijack by interests not aligned with the ideals of his group.
“The point I am making is that the intent is not worth the life of any Nigerian. It is motivated by the need to negotiate a better deal for the ordinary Nigerian,” 2Face declared in an audio-visual message that has soon gone viral on the internet.
“I therefore announce the cancellation of the planned protest. We would share further information in due course. We appreciate the massive support.
“I am convinced our voices have been heard. May God bless you all, may God bless Nigeria.”
In reaction, CDNDC, in a press statement issued on Sunday by Ariyo-Dare Atoye, co-convener, the group maintained that the citizen action was never about 2Face declaring that the exercise “cannot be cancelled.”
“Our attention has been drawn to news making the rounds that the national-protest-march slated for Monday, February 6, 2017 has been cancelled by one Innocent Idibia popularly known as 2Face,” Atoye said.
“This is not true and not the consensus of Nigerians, majority of fellow planners and not a true reflection of the sincere plan to organize this rally in public interest.
“We wish to inform Nigerians and the world at large that this protest against bad governance and hunger was never about 2Face or any individual for that matter. Let it be known that Mr. Idibia merely keyed into an ongoing public discourse over this protest to take a lead. It was never his singular idea but the concerns of the suffering masses.
“Therefore, we wish to inform concerned Nigerians and the international community that there is a national and public consensus for this protest to hold as scheduled in all venues. There are hundreds of groups and thousands of Nigerians who are leading this initiative and we will not back down.
“This is the time to separate real activists from emergency activists. Emergency activists seek mortality with the fear of man, while Revolutionists and real activists seek immortality with the fear of God.
“Consequently, in the exact opposite of what our brother, 2Face said; ‘Dear Nigerians, due to stomach insecurity and bad governance consideration, we hereby announce the continuation of the march as scheduled – on Monday, February 6, 2017.”
Meanwhile, a former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, has berated the Nigerian government for the cancellation of the planned anti-government protest.
Ezekwesili, a vocal member of #BringBackOurGirls campaign group, in a series of tweets on Sunday morning, called on President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to allow Nigerians cry out their pains.
On her verified twitter handle, @Obyezeks, she tweeted, “Mr. Pres @MBuhari Mr. VP @ProfOsinbajo Allow the people of your Land CRY OUT their pain on Monday. LISTEN, EMPATHIZE & RETHINK POLICIES.
“Mr. Pres @MBuhari Mr. VP @ProfOsinbajo Your Govt CANNOT SECURE YOUR CITIZENS THAT WANT TO GATHER AND SPEAK THEIR PAIN TO YOU? Haba. Haba.
“Mr. Pres @MBuhari Mr. VP @ProfOsinbajo The people of your Land are CRYING OUT in PAIN. Ask God for WISDOM to GIVE THEM A GOOD ANSWER.
“Mr. Pres @MBuhari Mr. VP @ProfOsinbajo When the people of your Land CRY OUT in PAIN saying, “Lighten our yoke”, you listen NOT REPRESS.”
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