The Democratic Front (TDF) has expressed outrage at the recent revelation by the Police authorities of the involvement of a foreigner in an alleged plot to overthrow the democratically elected government of President Bola Tinubu under the guise of a peaceful protest.
TDF said in a statement signed by its Chairman, Mallam Danjuma Muhammad and Secretary, Chief Wale Adedayo that the outcome of police investigation into an otherwise peaceful protest that took place recently confirmed the earlier held position that those behind the protest had ulterior motives.
The statement reads in part, “We are outraged by revelations from the Nigeria Police Force about a despicable attempt to violently overthrow the 15 months old democratic government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and to truncate Nigeria’s 25 years – old democracy.
“The outcome of the police investigations, as reliably announced by the Police authorities further confirm the veracity of TDF’s position that the true intention of the ignoble sponsors of the #End Bad Governance protest was to forcefully terminate the government, and to truncate the current democratic dispensation in Nigeria.
“Well-meaning citizens of Nigeria have also always lamented the odious trend of foreign involvements in the lingering insecurity in the country.
“Despite the commendable efforts of government, the nation is yet to completely overcome the ravaging threats of insecurity.
Meanwhile, the Security Agencies have always been under intense pressure to restore peace and order in the country, with its severe consequences to the nation’s socio-economic development.
“This is precisely the reason why we believe that the impudence by a foreign national who attempted to criminally sponsor a change in Government, under the pretext of #End Bad Governance protest in Nigeria, should be globally condemned, disapproved, rejected, and upbraided.ubg
“It is known to all that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, neither permits nor envisages any method or means for effecting a change in the government of Nigeria, except through the electoral process that is enshrined in the Electoral Act, as legislated by the National Assembly.
“Therefore, any means or method adopted by any individual or group to the contrary will be tantamount to treason.
“We recall that the #End Bad Governance protest was violently implemented in some parts of the country taking its toll on innocent lives and properties. It is also on record that the alleged sponsors of the unwarranted protests successfully rode on the selfish desires of some disgruntled politicians within the opposition to disregard the constitution and unleash mayhem on the nation.
“We call on all those who defended the show of shame under the ostensible guise of human rights to reflect on the embarrassment and shame brought upon the nation by the sponsors of the protest.
“We commend the police and other security agencies for their steadfastness and professionalism. Their show of restraint in the face of provocation during the protest remarkably reflects an improvement in the maturity and competence of members of our law enforcement agencies.
“For us, the timely arraignment of the suspects before a court of law on 2nd September 2024, also showcase the determination of the Tinubu administration to subject the process to the rule of law, with due cognizance to Fundamental Human Rights. And we are happy to observe this.
“Our expectation is that the police will apprehend the alleged foreign sponsor of the protest who is currently at large and bring him to justice,” says TDF.