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UAD Lambasts Descent Into Authoritarianism And Dictatorship, Calls for Action and Vigilance

January 17, 2012

The United Action For Democracy (UAD), a component of the Joint Action Front, yesterday expressed alarm at what it called “the repressive and authoritarian response of a supposedly democratically elected government in a democracy” to the just and peaceful dissent of the overwhelming majority of its citizens.

The United Action For Democracy (UAD), a component of the Joint Action Front, yesterday expressed alarm at what it called “the repressive and authoritarian response of a supposedly democratically elected government in a democracy” to the just and peaceful dissent of the overwhelming majority of its citizens.

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“We condemn this abandonment of the democratic road, and this willful embrace of the road to dictatorship by the Nigerian government,” UAD said in a press statement signed by Jaye Gaskia and Kenn Henshaw, its National Convener and National Secretary.  “We condemn and reject the attempt to repress and criminalise protest; and affirm the basic human rights of Nigerians to protest and play decisive roles in the governance of their country and in the running of the affairs of our society.”

It commended Nigerian citizens for the roles they are playing in the organised resistance to the fuel price hike, and in insisting that fundamental issues of governance at the base of the crisis in the supply of petroleum products at affordable and accessible prices be engaged with and resolved forthwith.

The UAD expressed regret over the action of organised labour in unilaterally calling off the general strike and mass protests, and urged Nigerians to continue their peaceful protests until their demands are met.

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“We completely reject the new price regime for petrol, and insist on our demands for: a complete reversal to 65 Naira per liter; independent probe into the management of the processes in the petroleum sector including products import and distribution, status of the local refineries, failed Turn Around Maintenances of the refineries, management of the subsidy regime, audit of actual daily consumption rate of petrol, smuggling of products across the border, punishment for economic crimes, etc,” the statement said.

The UAD also demanded, in the light of new developments, an independent inquiry into the repression of the protests, prosecution of those found guilty in the killing and/or injury of protesters across the country, as well as the immediate withdrawal of troops from the streets of Nigeria.

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