A collective of thirty-seven non-governmental organisations (NGOs) has called on the Nigerian Judiciary and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to ensure the protection of all protesters’ rights and create a system to swiftly address and dismiss any unjust charges that may arise during the upcoming protests scheduled for Thursday.
In a joint press release issued in Taraba on Monday, the coalition of NGOs reiterated the citizens’ fundamental right to peaceful protest as a crucial element of democratic governance.
Stating that this right is a key foundation of any democratic society, they emphasized its importance as a method for citizens to voice their discontent, demand accountability, and push for change.
The signatories of the statement encompass various organizations such as the 21st Century Community Empowerment for Youth and Women Initiative, Accountability Lab Nigeria, Africa Institute for Energy Governance (AFIEGO) in Uganda, BudgIT Foundation, Centre for Accountability and Inclusive Development (CAAID), among others.
They highlighted that protest is a recognized form of expression protected by international human rights instruments like 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).
The NGOs stressed that protests provide a platform for citizens to raise concerns, challenge injustices, and engage actively in the democratic process.
Emphasizing the historical impact of protests on government policies and practices, they underlined the significance of collective action in addressing grievances and promoting good governance.
While acknowledging the importance of the right to protest in democratic societies, they emphasized the need for peaceful and responsible exercise of this right without infringing on the rights of others.
The organizations called upon all stakeholders, including protest organizers, participants, and law enforcement agencies, to prioritize safety and adherence to the rule of law, with law enforcement ensuring the protection of protesters and maintenance of public order.
They also cautioned protesters against actions that could escalate tensions, cause disturbances, or jeopardize public safety.
Deeming any attempt to suppress demonstrations through intimidation, excessive force, or unjust legal means as counterproductive, the NGOs urged government bodies to identify and apprehend individuals inciting violence or sabotage.
They asserted that preemptively arresting protest organizers demonstrates a failure to recognize the true adversaries of the state.