The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to upholding the constitutional right of citizens, especially young Nigerians, to engage in peaceful protests, while also cautioning against any actions that could lead to violence or damage to national infrastructure.
This assurance was given by the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, during an interaction with Vanguard reporters in Abuja on Monday. In his remarks, Olawande emphasized the government’s acknowledgment of the legitimate concerns raised by protesters, stating that freedom of expression and peaceful assembly remain key pillars of democracy.
However, he warned that while the government respects citizens’ rights to voice their grievances, protests must not devolve into chaos or result in the destruction of public property. The Minister stressed the importance of maintaining peace and order, urging young people to demonstrate responsibly and avoid any form of violence.
According to Olawande, the government is open to dialogue and is committed to addressing the underlying issues fueling public dissatisfaction, but such engagement must be done within the bounds of law and civility.
