Falana Warns #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria Protesters Against Calling for Coup

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has issued a warning to protesters involved in the nationwide #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria movement to steer clear of “undemocratic forces” attempting to use the demonstrations to advocate for a military coup. His remarks follow reports of some protesters in Kano State waving Russian flags and chanting, “We don’t want bad government,” on Sunday, according to Channels Television.

Falana, who emphasized Nigerians’ constitutional right to peaceful protest under sections 39 and 40, said, “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.”

He criticized the use of Russian flags, noting that Russia is known for backing unconstitutional government changes in Africa. Falana warned, “Calling for a military coup or waving the flag of Russia constitutes a gross abuse of the constitutional right to protest against the Government of Nigeria.”

The lawyer cautioned those involved in the campaign for military rule, stating, “They may be accused of engaging in the offence of treasonable felony in contravention of section 41 of the Criminal Code Act.”

Falana also called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to address neoliberal policies that he argues are exacerbating poverty and hardship. He suggested that such measures could make unconstitutional changes in government less appealing. Specifically, Falana recommended that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited negotiate lower prices for petroleum products, given that the Federal Executive Council has directed the allocation of 445,000 barrels of crude oil daily to the Dangote Refinery.

In late July 2024, President Tinubu instructed the NNPC to sell crude oil to Dangote Refinery and other emerging refineries in naira. This decision, announced by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, aims to stabilize fuel pump prices and the dollar-naira exchange rate.

Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Christopher Musa, addressing a National Security Council meeting at Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, on Monday, condemned the display of Russian flags in Nigeria as a “treasonable offence.” He affirmed that the Nigerian military would not tolerate such actions.