Falana warns protesters to guard against agitations for military coup

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, on Tuesday, issued a stern warning to protesters participating in the nationwide hunger protest, urging them to steer clear of “undemocratic forces” attempting to exploit the demonstrations to call for a military coup.

Falana’s caution comes after protesters in Kano State were seen waving Russian flags and chanting anti-government slogans, sparking concerns about the potential for external influence and unconstitutional regime change.

While acknowledging the constitutional right to peaceful protest, Falana, in a statement, emphasized the need for protesters to distance themselves from elements seeking to hijack the demonstrations for ulterior motives.

He warned that advocating for a military coup or displaying foreign flags constitutes an abuse of protest rights and may be considered treasonable felony under the Criminal Code Act.

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The lawyer noted, “While we support the right of the #EndBadGovernance protesters, we have a patriotic duty to call on them to distance themselves from undemocratic forces who have taken advantage of the peaceful protests to engage in violence or campaign for a military coup in the country.

“It has become necessary to point out that calling for a military coup or waving the flag of Russia, a country known for supporting unconstitutional changes of government in Africa, constitutes a gross abuse of the constitutional right to protest against the Government of Nigeria.

“The legitimate protests against hardship in the land should not be turned into a campaign for an unconstitutional change of government.”

The legal practitioner further warned “those involved in the illegal campaign for another military rule,” adding that “they may be accused of engaging in the offence of treasonable felony in contravention of section 41 of the Criminal Code Act.”

Falana’s statement serves as a crucial reminder to protesters to remain vigilant and focused on their legitimate grievances, lest their movement be co-opted by forces seeking to undermine Nigeria’s democratic foundations.

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