A collective of thirty-seven non-governmental organizations (NGOs) has issued a plea to the Nigerian Judiciary and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to uphold the rights of all protesters and establish a swift mechanism to address and dismiss any oppressive charges that may stem from the upcoming protests scheduled for Thursday.
In a press statement released in Taraba on Monday, the coalition of NGOs reaffirmed the citizens’ fundamental right to peaceful protest as a cornerstone of democratic governance.
Expressing their standpoint, the group emphasized that the right to protest is a fundamental aspect of any democratic society, providing citizens with a vital platform to voice discontent, demand accountability, and push for change.
The signatories of the statement include various organizations such as the 21st Century Community Empowerment for Youth and Women Initiative, Accountability Lab Nigeria, Africa Institute for Energy Governance (AFIEGO) from Uganda, BudgIT Foundation, Centre for Accountability and Inclusive Development (CAAID), Centre for Inclusive Social Development (CISD), Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Dataphyte Foundation, DigiCivic Initiative, Enough is Enough (EiE), Health Education and Human Rights Advocacy Initiative (HEHRAI), and Hope Behind Bars Africa, among others.
They highlighted that protest is a recognized form of expression endorsed 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 (amended).
The group emphasized: “Protests play a crucial role in demanding accountability from leaders and ensuring that governmental actions align with the will and needs of the people.”
Drawing from historical examples, they underlined how protests have often catalyzed substantial changes in government policies, processes, and practices, showcasing the potency of collective action in addressing grievances and fostering good governance.
While acknowledging the right to protest as a democratic principle, the NGOs stressed the importance of conducting protests peacefully and responsibly without infringing upon the rights of others.
They called on all stakeholders, including protest organizers, participants, and law enforcement agencies, to prioritize safety and adherence to the rule of law, emphasizing the role of law enforcement in safeguarding protesters while maintaining public order.
Furthermore, the NGOs urged protesters to refrain from actions that could escalate tensions, incite unrest, or jeopardize public safety.
Warning against any attempts to suppress demonstrations through intimidation, excessive force, or unjust legal measures, they asserted that such tactics are counterproductive and unacceptable.
Emphasizing the necessity for peaceful protests, they also stressed the obligation of relevant government entities to identify and address any potential disruptors swiftly, rather than targeting protest organizers unjustly.