FG gets ultimatum to probe foreign interference
Network of Abuja Left Groups has revealed that one of the detained leaders of the #EndBadGovernance protests, Adaramoye Michael (a.k.a. Lenin) and other arrested demonstrators will be secretly arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja, today.
However, the Federal Government has been given ultimatum to probe foreign interference in the internal affairs of the country.
Despite the reported arraignment, the coalition revealed that it would protest at the court premises during the trial.
In a statement made available to The Guardian, yesterday, the group described the arraignment as politically-motivated.
“Please, take note; there will be peaceful protests in front of the court tomorrow (Monday), starting by 9.00 a.m. The protest is to challenge the government on the political persecution of peaceful protesters and call for an end to the political trial,” the statement reads.
Adaramoye was picked up, alongside three other leaders of the Network of Abuja Left Groups, in the wake of the #EndBadGovernance protests on August 5 at his residence in the Apo area of Abuja.
The Guardian gathered that they were arrested in Gestapo style by security operatives, who arrived at their apartment in seven trucks and whisked them away blindfolded.
FOLLOWING the display Russian flags by some protesters, Concerned Nigerlites Forum has given the Federal Government a one-month ultimatum to investigate, identify and take decisive action against perceived foreign government interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs .
In a statement by Abduljaleel Yahaya on behalf of the forum, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and students’ representatives also called for engagement with foreign governments to clarify their roles and seek assistance in achieving a peaceful resolution.
According to Yahaya, taking decisive action will send a clear message to the international community that Nigeria will not tolerate foreign interference in its internal affairs.
The forum also expresses dismay at the events that transpired during the recent uncoordinated #EndBadGovernance protests, where violence erupted in some states and there was a clear attempt by external forces to destabilise and sow political chaos in Nigeria, a sovereign nation, through forcible regime change.
They alleged that the actions of the foreign actors and their accomplices not only took them by surprise but were also deeply saddening with the display of another country’s flag as part of a larger conspiracy to undermine Nigeria’s democracy and incite widespread crisis, destruction, confusion, distrust and political instability is unacceptable manner.
Describing the action as a direct violation of Nigeria’s sovereignty and democratic principles, the forum called for the Implementation of initiatives to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians, particularly in terms of addressing hunger and reducing the high cost of governance.
