A coalition of 37 civil society organisations has issued a statement reaffirming the fundamental right of Nigerians to peaceful protest, asking the judiciary to uphold the right.
The statement comes amid growing concerns over the suppression of dissent and the right to express grievances in the country.
The press statement released in Abuja on Monday was signed by 37 organisations, including Accountability Lab Nigeria, BudgIT Foundation, Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), and Enough is Enough (EIE) Nigeria, among others.
The groups emphasised that peaceful protest is a cornerstone of democratic governance and a vital tool for holding leaders accountable.
They cited international human rights instruments and the Nigerian Constitution in support of their position.
The coalition urged the Nigerian Judiciary and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to uphold protesters’ rights and promptly address oppressive charges arising from protests.
While acknowledging the importance of peaceful demonstrations, the coalition also urged protesters to conduct themselves responsibly and avoid actions that could incite violence or disrupt public order.
They also called on law enforcement agencies to protect protesters and maintain public order without resorting to excessive force.
The statement reads, “In light of recent events and ongoing discussions surrounding the appropriateness of citizens expressing their dissatisfaction with government policies and actions, we, the undersigned civil society organisations, are compelled to reaffirm the fundamental right of citizens to peaceful protest as a fundamental pillar of democratic governance. This right is a cornerstone of any democratic society and a critical means for citizens to express their dissatisfaction, demand accountability, and advocate for change.
“Protesting is a legitimate form of expression enshrined in international human rights instruments, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended), among others. It allows citizens to publicly voice their concerns, challenge injustices, and participate actively in the democratic process.
“Protests serve as a vital mechanism for holding leaders accountable and ensuring that government actions reflect the will and needs of the people. History has shown that protests can lead to significant changes in government policies, processes and practices, highlighting the power of collective action to address grievances and promote good governance.
“While the right to protest is a fundamental principle of democratic nations, we concede that it must be exercised peacefully and responsibly without violating the rights of others. Accordingly, we urge all parties engaged, including protest organisers, participants, and law enforcement agencies, to prioritise safety and the rule of law. Law enforcement has a duty to safeguard protesters while upholding public order. Demonstrators must avoid activities that might exacerbate tensions, cause unrest or threaten public safety.
“Attempts to suppress demonstrations through intimidation, excessive use of force, or unjust legal actions are unacceptable and counterproductive.
“Every protest is deemed peaceful, and if intelligence indicates otherwise, it is the role of the appropriate government agencies to identify such saboteurs and arrest them immediately. Arresting protest organisers shows a lack of understanding of the enemies of the state.
“We urge the Nigerian Judiciary and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to uphold the rights of all protesters and establish a mechanism to promptly address and dismiss oppressive charges that may arise from these protests.
“The demands include reducing the cost of living, curbing insecurity, reducing the cost of governance, electoral reform, judicial reform, and constitutional reform, which are all recurring themes in Nigeria’s journey towards a healthy democracy.
“We reaffirm our commitment to the principles of democracy and human rights and stand in solidarity with those who decided to exercise the right to peaceful protest.
“We encourage all citizens to actively participate in shaping a just and accountable society, and we call on all stakeholders to uphold the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.”
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