Prior to the nationwide protest scheduled for August 1 to denounce economic struggles, the National Democratic Coalition’s United States of America chapter has urged the international community to monitor the event to ensure the safety of all Nigerian participants.
NADECO USA believes it is unjust for the government to criminalize protests by targeting those organizing them.
The President of NADECO USA, Dr. Lloyd Ukwu, made this plea during a press conference held in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State, on Wednesday.
Ukwu cautioned against using force or intimidation to suppress the protest, stating that it would violate democratic principles and pose a serious threat to basic rights.
He highlighted how Nigerian leaders have historically employed tribalism, ethnicity, and religion to divide the population in an effort to stifle popular demands.
The organization supports the planned peaceful protest as long as participants remain within the confines of the law.
Ukwu emphasized that freedom of expression is a fundamental human right as per Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, applicable to all individuals regardless of ethnicity, gender, nationality, religion, or social status.
According to him, protests serve as agents for change, shaping agendas and sparking constructive discussions.
He stated, “Today signifies a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s political history and progress. It is with deep concern and unwavering determination that I speak on behalf of NADECO USA regarding the upcoming protest by the Nigerian populace, themed ‘End Bad Governance In Nigeria.’
“NADECO USA unequivocally backs and endorses the planned peaceful protest, on the condition that it upholds non-violent principles.
“Freedom of expression is a fundamental human entitlement under Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, inherent to all individuals irrespective of ethnicity, gender, nationality, religion, or social status.
“Protests have been traditional channels for citizen expression. The constitutional right to expression, whether political or social, is protected by Nigeria’s legal system.
He added, “NADECO would like to remind President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian populace that Tinubu himself emerged from various protests, starting with Chief MKO Abiola’s annulled elections in June 12, 1993.
“In 2014, key figures like President Tinubu, Pastor Tunde Bakare, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, and Professor Wole Soyinka, exercised their dissenting rights, including symbolic acts criticizing the government.
“Therefore, why should Nigerians now be deprived of the right to peaceful protest? While President Tinubu mentioned revolution, it’s important to note that revolutions are organic rather than orchestrated. It’s misleading for the government to criminalize protests by targeting their organizers.
“We call upon the international community to closely monitor this planned peaceful protest, ensuring the safety of every Nigerian participant.
“This protest may unfold akin to the one supported in 2014. NADECO USA sees it as an ironic circumstance and a stark hypocrisy for individuals to try to intimidate Nigerian citizens who genuinely seek to uphold their rights to good governance.”