A coalition of activists led by frontline activists Femi Falana and Jibrin Ibrahim has scheduled a ‘sit out’ rally to hold this afternoon at the M.K.O Abiola Park, Ojota, Lagos, “to say No to the disruption of the democratic process through the establishment of an interim government or any other form of government not known to the constitution.”
Though the Goodluck Jonathan administration has vehemently denied any plans to set up an interim government as it is alien to the country’s constitution, the community of activists seems not to be convinced.
Today’s rally themed ‘Expression of Love for Democracy’ is scheduled to hold from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. It is being organised by Nigerians United for Democracy (NUD), an alliance of pro-democracy groups, “as part of its efforts at mobilising Nigerians to resist the current threat to democratic transition and good governance.”
An NUD statement signed by Falana and Ibrahim made available to News Express last night invited the general public to turn out in large numbers for the rally.
“Elections must hold on the 28th of March and 11th of April, 2015. These dates are sacrosanct. The government must provide a level playing ground for all political parties and the intimidation of opposition parties and leaders must stop,” NUD said.
The group stressed the need to “work towards the protection of INEC until the elections and the preservation of its independence is imminent,” adding: “We must counter any attempt at a further postponement of the elections, now rescheduled for 28th March and 11th April 2015; We must counter any attempt at the establishment of an interim government, state of emergency or military rule.”
NUD called on Nigerians to “come out en masse to express their love for Democracy, Defend Democracy Now, assert Peoples’ power is always greater than people in power, say no to the politicisation of the military, No to the politicisation of the Police, No to the politicisation of the SSS. On March 28 we stand!”
•Photo shows Falana.
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