Human Rights Lawyer Demands Protection for Protesters in Upcoming Nationwide Demonstration

A human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, has written to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, demanding adequate respect and protection for protesters during the upcoming nationwide protest. The lawyer, through his law firm, Inibehe Effiong Chambers, emphasized that the role of the police is to protect and facilitate the exercise of constitutional rights, not to suppress or stifle them.

The letter, dated July 26, highlights the importance of protecting the rights of citizens to freedom of expression and assembly. According to Effiong, the right to demonstrate and protest on matters of public concern is a fundamental right that should be exercised without impediment.

Effiong drew attention to the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 [as amended], specifically Section 39, which guarantees the right to freedom of expression, and Section 40, which guarantees the right to assemble freely and associate with one another for the protection of their interests.

The lawyer also cited a landmark case, Inspector General of Police vs All Nigeria Peoples Party (2008), where the Court of Appeal held that the right to demonstrate and protest on matters of public concern are rights that should be exercised without impediment as long as no wrongful act is done.

Effiong urged the IGP to respect the provisions of the Constitution and the law, and to ensure that the police provide adequate security cover for the protesters. He warned that any attempt to suppress or stifle the protests would be unconstitutional and a violation of the IGP’s oath of office.

The nationwide protest, scheduled to take place from Monday, 1st August, 2024, aims to advocate for an end to bad governance, demand accountability from those in power, and press for other lawful and legitimate demands.