#ResumeOrResign DAY 3: Jim Iyke, BBOG join protests

Despite police clampdown on Tuesday, protesters calling on ailing President Muhammadu Buhari to either resume duty or resign as Nigeria’s President, continued on Wednesday.

Popular Nollywood actor Jim Iyke, and co-convener of the Bring Back Our Girls (BOOG) movement, Aisha Yesufu, were part of the day three protest. They called on more Nigerians to join in the protest, insisting that Buhari must not continue to hold the country to ransom as a result of a yet to be disclosed ailment.

The protesters who resumed their sit-out at the Unity Fountain, Maitama, Abuja, under the cautious watch of Nigeria Police Force, lamented that Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has been prevented from making decisions that can help the country from its many challenges.

Accusing President Buhari of holding the nation to ransom by his absence, the protesters added that his absence is stagnating the country.

Jim Iyke, who joined the protesters for the first time said when accosted by newsmen, “No matter what happens, the group would be united. Enough is enough. It is a simple thing, our mantra is one and our decision is one.

“Unequivocally, we are saying that the president either resumes or resigns. It is natural when you get old; you shift and let the young ones take over.”
Also, one of the known female critics of Buhari’s administration, Aisha Yesufu said, “When are we going to realise that this acting president thing is not working out, it’s really not working out.

“Things are stagnating in Nigeria, for crying out loud, the president is sick, the president is not capable of discharging his duty as president, why can’t he resign.

Read also: Senate frowns at police brutality against Charly Boy, others protesting Buhari’s absence

“Buhari is not greater than Nigeria and he cannot continue to hold the nation to ransom because he is sick. I once said he should resign and allow another person to take over, it is not as if we hate him, we love him and we pray for his quick recovery. It is not about a person, it is about the country; our mumu don do.”

For Ariyo Atoye of the Coalition in Defence of Nigerian Democracy, “It is the cabal that wants him (Buhari) to continue in power so they could loot the treasury. They said power has fully been transmitted to Osinbajo but he could not even allocate portfolio to ministers.”

Police allegedly brutalized the protesters on day two of the protest with teargas and police dogs. While one person was injured and rushed to the hospital, the popular Charles Oputa, known as Charly Boy collapsed following police brutality.

Two aides to President Buhari, Garbar Shehu and Lauretta Onochie, have both condemned the protest. According to them, the protesters not only violate the constitution, but are also infringing on the right of Buhari as it was disrespectful to protest against him.

 

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