Presidency: Nigerians have ignored the ‘phantom’ revolution

The presidency has taunted promoters of #RevolutionNow, saying Nigerians have ignored their call for a ‘revolution’.

In a statement issued on Monday, Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, said the failure of the revolution showed that citizens would not allow the government to be undermined by any group.

“Today, millions of Nigerians went about their businesses: work, seeking employment, attending school/college and caring for their families. By doing so, the millions defended our country’s hard-won democratic rights – by ignoring calls on social media to join a phantom ‘revolution’,’’ he said.

“There were a few hundred persons today who, for their own reasons, decided to act upon the demands of a group calling itself Global Coalition for Security and Democracy in Nigeria, which went on social media to ask everyday Nigerians to overthrow the government they only elected some six months ago.’

“The president is humbled by the support – not for himself, or the governing party – but for the democratic values of modern-day Nigeria through the wisdom of those millions of citizens who preferred democracy and decided not to undermine an elected government.’’

Shehu also said Nigerians have shown unity in protecting the nation’s young democracy by their action.

“Today, joining those millions of Nigerians was not only the president and governing party at federal level, but many state governments from the opposition, trade unions, civil society organisations, media and NGOs with focus on freedom of speech. All have, rightly, united in protecting Nigeria’s young democracy and the rights of all to elect leaders and lawmakers,’’ he said.

“The Global Coalition for Security and Democracy in Nigeria’s attempt to incite citizens into a revolution against their own democratic rights and interests has failed – as will all attempts to take away from the people their hard-won rights and freedom to choose who leads their country.’’

Omoyele Sowore, covener of #RevolutionNow, was arrested on Saturday. And he has been in the custody of the DSS. But some Nigerians still converged on public places to stage protests on Monday.

The police dispersed a crowd that had gathered around the national stadium in Lagos by firing teargas and making arrests.