NGOs Urge Nigerian Judiciary to Protect Protesters’ Rights
In a joint press statement, 37 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have called on 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 forthcoming protests.
The NGOs, which include 21st Century Community Empowerment for Youth and Women Initiative, Accountability Lab Nigeria, and Africa Institute for Energy Governance, among others, reaffirmed the fundamental right of citizens to peaceful protest as a fundamental pillar of democratic governance. According to them, protest is a legitimate form of expression enshrined in international human rights instruments, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution.
The group emphasized that protests serve as a vital mechanism for holding leaders accountable and ensuring that government actions reflect the will and needs of the people. They noted that 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.
The NGOs urged all parties, including protest organizers, participants, and law enforcement agencies, to prioritize safety and the rule of law, stating that law enforcement must safeguard protesters while upholding public order. They also urged protesters to avoid activities that might exacerbate tensions, cause unrest, or threaten public safety.
In a statement, the NGOs warned against attempts to suppress demonstrations through intimidation, excessive use of force, or unjust legal actions, describing such actions as unacceptable and counterproductive. They emphasized that 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.
The organizations concluded by emphasizing the importance of protecting protesters’ rights and promoting peaceful assembly, as a cornerstone of democratic governance.
