by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), USA, on Thursday morning (Nigerian time) called for either celebrations or protests, depending on the judgment on Thursday by the Supreme Court.
NADECO made the release against the appeals lodged by Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Mr. Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) against the election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The foremost Nigerian pro-democracy group, in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Lloyd Ukwu, and Publicity Secretary, Comrade David Adenekan, released guidelines for either celebrations or protests after the verdict of the apex court.
The statement, a soft copy of which was made available to journalists reads, in part:
“The Nigerian Supreme Court will deliver to the Nigerian people one of two things: Justice or Injustice. So, Nigerians must be prepared to react accordingly.
“Nigerians would know injustice when they see it and, by the same token, would know it, if what they get is justice.
“NADECO does not want to dictate to the Supreme Court on how to rule, but NADECO expects that the Nigerian Supreme Court will deliver pure and undiluted justice to the deserving Nigerian people.
“If Mr. Justice is delivered, Nigeria should prepare to celebrate and embark on Appreciation March. The Appreciation March is basically to appreciate the Supreme Court justices for living up to their constitutional responsibilities.
“For standing on the side of history, Nigerians should carry out a celebratory March to honor the Supreme Court.
“In the event that Mr. Injustice is delivered by the Supreme Court, Nigerians must also rise up but only this as a protest and not a celebratory march.
“GUIDELINES FOR THE PROTEST:
“All protesters must have flags in one hand and water in the other hand. Flags symbolize patriotism, while the water is for peace and energy. We recommend white or green shirts to be worn by the protesters. There must be no violence.
“Along with protesters, we encourage the security agencies to join in the protests – the army, the civil defense, the police, the DSS, and other agencies. They should arms-ling their weapons and join the protesters. It is important for security agencies to join in the protest to ensure that the protests are orderly and without any disturbances.
“After all, the security personnel are Nigerians first; they took an oath to defend and protect the Constitution and not the Presidency; to defend Nigeria and Nigerians.
“All businesses must remain open. The shops and businesses along the protest route should encourage the peaceful protesters by providing water and snacks where possible.
“The protesters need water, food, and other items. The protest will continue until the elements of injustice are completely flushed out in Nigeria.”
However, Nigerians are yet to comply or witness any protest after the judgment, since on Thursday, when it was delivered in favour Bola Ahmed Tinubu.