By – Abba Hamisu
Africa-Press – Nigeria. Naja’atu Mohammed is a renowned Nigerian Politician, and activist. Najatu contested for elections severally under different political parties. She is also one of the first women to have served as the President Students Union Government (SUG) in the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria and also the first female Vice President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS). Naja’atu has also claimed that she brought former Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari into politics. In this Interview with Africa Press, Hajiya Naja’atu decried the economic hardship faced by Nigerians under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. She also spoke about the recent allegation against the clerics who allegedly collected N16 million each from President Tinubu to preach against the planned protest by Nigerian youths over the high cost of life in the nation.
Excerpts
Africa Press: Nigerian youths have proposed peaceful demonstrations over economic hardship. What’s your take on this?
Najaatu Muhammad: Peaceful demonstrations are a constitutional right, as stated in Article 40. Citizens have the right to express their grievances. However, the government often responds with force, dispersing protesters and arresting them, especially under the current Tinubu administration. This is a sign of anarchy. Ironically, in 2004, President Tinubu, then a NADECO leader, protested against the Abacha regime, calling for change. He was even given a chance to leave the country. Now, he is part of the oppressive system.
Africa Press: Do you think it is right for the youths to ignore Islamic scholars’ call to avoid peaceful protests from taking place across the country?
Naja’atu Muhammed: Well, first, you need to look at who the scholar is.Does he intend to put public interest above his personal interests? Is he genuinely concerned about the welfare of the people, or is he driven by personal agendas? I learnt that some of them received money from the government to preach against the protest. That is too bad!
Africa Press: Hajiya, you alleged that those scholars received money from the government to preach against protesters. But they denied the allegation, stating that peaceful coexistence of the country is paramount, citing the example of Sudan?
Najaatu Muhammad: Where is the peace when people are abducted and ransom is paid for their freedom? Where is the peace when a farmer can’t even go to the farm comfortably? Where is the peace when people are forced to eat dirty grains (dusa)? I have seen it in Kano, where people are fighting over dirty grains, some buying for their animals and others for human consumption. It is even worse in the villages.
Africa Press: If politicians lack the courage to address the issues bothering their people, it remains for religious scholars (ulama) to speak out, but they are not respected. What is our destiny then?
Najaatu Muhammad: Those who are supposed to guide us are themselves not guided, and they are expected to guide those who are being cheated and oppressed. This is the stark reality, and it is a vicious cycle that needs to be broken.
Africa Press: Doesn’t the constitution require protesters to seek government approval?
Najaatu Muhammad: No, that’s not what I am saying. Article 40 states, “Every person shall be entitled to assemble freely and associate with other persons…for the protection of his interests.” The government’s purpose is to protect the nation and its citizens’ rights, lives, and property. Citizens have the right to assemble and express themselves without seeking clearance from the police, as this is not a constitutional requirement. The government’s role is to serve the people, not the other way around.
Africa Press: What is your take on the proposed protest?
Najaatu Muhammad: Personally, I think it is important to understand the reasons behind the protest. We should commend the youth for taking a stand, but it is crucial to examine the motivations behind the protest. Are they fighting for their rights or mere emotional expression? The youths, comprising 70% of Nigeria’s population, are the most affected by the country’s problems. They are the ones bearing the brunt of insecurity, subsidy removal, and other issues. If they are protesting in the North, it’s likely due to these pressing concerns. Subsidy removal, in particular, is a grievance that warrants public outcry, as no nation can survive without subsidizing its citizens’ needs.
For More News And Analysis About Nigeria Follow Africa-Press
