Politics

How Hunger protests in Nigeria is exploited for regime change – Oshiomole

Published by Tope Fakinlede on August 7th, 2024.

How Hunger protests in Nigeria is exploited for regime change – Oshiomole

Adams Oshiomhole, former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and current senator for Edo North, has criticized recent calls for regime change from some protesters, accusing them of exploiting the hunger protests for political purposes.

The End Hunger protests, which began last Thursday, have resulted in at least 17 reported deaths due to violence in Abuja, Kano, Niger, Borno, Kaduna, and Jigawa states. In a Wednesday appearance on Arise TV, Oshiomhole argued that changes in government should be pursued through elections, as outlined by the Nigerian constitution.

“I have always supported the right to peaceful protest, which I have exercised myself. However, it’s clear that many protesters are using hunger as a cover for their true goal of regime change. Such demands for regime change are neither legal nor constitutional,” Oshiomhole stated.

He further explained, “Prior to the protest, many were calling for peaceful demonstrations, citing constitutional rights. Having led numerous protests myself, I must stress that the only constitutional method for changing a government is through elections. The idea of regime change or military intervention is not an option in Nigeria.”

Oshiomhole also emphasized that the core issue is not merely hunger but the misuse of legitimate grievances to push for political change. “Throughout my history of protests, I never called for regime change. The business of governance is complex and requires lawful processes, not opportunistic maneuvers,” he concluded.