By David Olalekan.
The Convener of ‘OurMumuDonDo’ Movement, Charles Oputa, prominently known as Charly Boy, has called it quits with street protests in Nigeria.
The 68-year-old activist noted that having led several protests for over 40 years of his life, he was now convinced that street demonstrations are not only ineffective but also do not change the government.
Charly Boy, while speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja today, said he has decided to employ other means to hold leaders accountable.
“I have spent over 40 years of my life leading protest for a better society, and I can tell you that street protest will not change our leaders.
“My father always told me back then that whenever I see injustice, I should fight it because it may come to affect me someday too, and that is my motivation for fighting injustice over these years.
“On several occasions, I have been tortured by the Nigerian police and the military for standing up to authorities to ask questions.
“However, on some occasions, I have been regarded as their friends, depending on the sensibility of those in power.
“I am not a professional protester, so now I have decided to use other means to hold leaders accountable,’’ he said.
The veteran crusader, who prides himself as the ‘President of frustrated Nigerians’ is the son of a former Supreme Court justice, late Chukwudifu Oputa.