Group knocks PDP acting chairman Damagum over support for nationwide protest

The acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Ambassador Iliya Umar Damagum, has come under heavy criticism over his alleged support for the looming nationwide protests.

Reports had emerged that Damagum, in an interview on national TV, endorsed the planned protest coming up on August 1 to 10.

The PDP chieftain opined that the current administration led by President Bola Tinubu should not be kicking against peaceful demonstrations, stating that they staged “protests when they were in opposition, claiming things were not alright.”

He said: “Now, they are afraid of people protesting. But it’s the right of Nigerians to express themselves through peaceful protests. We, as Nigerians, must uphold this fundamental right.”

Reacting, a pro-democracy group, Conscience of Democracy in Nigeria, in a press conference in Abuja on Sunday called for the arrest of the PDP acting chairman, stating that Damagum’s outburst was “shocking” and “inciting.”

Adamu Kabir Matazu, who addressed journalists on behalf of the group, said: “We see Damagum’s support for the protest as a ploy to overthrow the government. We will not allow this to happen. We call on all Nigerians to stand against this attempt to destabilise our country.

“We wish to remind Damagum and those for whom he runs errands that the log is in their eyes. They should first look at what they contributed to the cost of living and economic crisis facing Nigeria today.”