The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has condemned the threat reportedly issued by the Minister of Defence (State), Bello Matawalle, against Nigerians who criticize the country’s economic collapse and rising insecurity.
The party, in a statement made yesterday, emphasized that it is the fundamental human right of citizens to hold their government to account, noting that President Bola Tinubu has never hesitated to do the same as an opposition politician.
Matawalle had on Friday urged Nigerians to refrain from making provocative statements about the administration headed by President Tinubu, stating that such utterances were unnecessary, destructive, and could incite violence. He added that such criticisms would have consequences.
Prominent Nigerians like the Sultan of Sokoto, Abubakar Sa’ad, and the Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, recently expressed concern over the hardship in Nigeria and called on those in authority to take decisive actions to alleviate the suffering of the poor and vulnerable.
“As a democratic institution committed to the welfare and progress of our nation, we in the PRP find such threats not only unwarranted but also an affront to the fundamental rights of citizens to express their opinions as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution as well as the democratic tenets to hold those in power accountable.
“As the people of Nigeria continue to grapple with the harsh realities of hunger, economic hardship, and insecurity, it is disheartening to witness those entrusted with governance attempting to stifle dissenting voices. The minister’s statement not only undermines the democratic principles our nation stands for but also reveals a lack of understanding of the legitimate concerns and frustrations of the masses as well as their rights to protest which President Tinubu had for years exercised as an opposition politician,” the statement signed by Muhammed Ishaq, acting national publicity secretary, read in part.
Meanwhile, the party has said the call by some 60 lawmakers for Nigeria to transition from a presidential system of government to a parliamentary system was diversionary, especially coming at a time when Nigerians are facing “the gravest difficulties.”
The party said how the system is being run is the problem, advising that the cost of governance should be cut by doing away with the Senate and having a unicameral legislature and making both the national and state legislatures part-time.
“We believe that with the right modifications and the adoption of a unicameral legislature on a part-time basis, we can create a more efficient, accountable, and cost-effective government for the benefit of all Nigerians,” Ishaq said.
