Elections more appropriate for change of government, not revolution - Presidency

The Presidency on Sunday urged the Global Coalition for Security and Democracy in Nigeria, which is planing a “revolution” march for Monday, to shelve the idea, adding that change can only come through the ballot box in an election under the democratic system.

A statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said the organisation championing the planned action is not fronted by any serious public faces.

The Presidency, therefore, called “on the sponsors and organisers to have the decency to come forward and make their identity known – out of respect to all Nigerians - so that Nigerians can be fully aware in

whose name this ‘revolution’ is being proposed and who the beneficiaries may be”.

“Following calls circulating on social and digital media, an organisation that calls itself the Global Coalition for Security and Democracy in Nigeria plans a ‘revolution’ march tomorrow, Monday, 5th August, with the aim of bringing ‘regime change’ in Nigeria without recourse to a nationwide vote,” the statement said on Sunday.

Noting that the President of Nigeria and his administration respect and uphold the right of every Nigerian to peaceful protest and civil campaign, whether to raise awareness on issues, and even oppose the government, the Presidency stated that “it is the inalienable right of all citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to do so”.