Amid the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests reaching their fifth day, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), has once again criticized the persistent violations of rights related to peaceful protests, assembly, freedom of expression, and press freedom by law enforcement agencies.
As a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Ojukwu firmly stated that the recent dispersal of protesters and journalists through excessive force leading to injuries to multiple individuals was intolerable and a direct encroachment on the fundamental human rights of Nigerians.
In a press release issued by Mr. Obinna Nwakonye, Director of Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, Ojukwu’s stance against the use of violent force during peaceful demonstrations was outlined.
The NHRC head emphasized that citizens have the lawful right to gather peacefully and voice their grievances, as guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and various international human rights treaties that Nigeria has ratified.
Expanding on his statement, Ojukwu highlighted the rights of journalists to fulfill their constitutionally mandated roles as societal watchdogs without fear or coercion.
He stressed that these rights are crucial to a democratic society and should be upheld and safeguarded by law enforcement bodies.
Encouraging adherence to international policing standards during protests, the nation’s Chief Human Rights Officer urged law enforcement agencies to respect engagement protocols.
“We urge the appropriate authorities to investigate these incidents and hold the accountable parties responsible.
“At the NHRC, we are committed to closely monitoring the situation and taking requisite measures to ensure the protection and promotion of human rights in Nigeria,” he declared.
Simultaneously, the NHRC has urged conscientious Nigerians possessing credible evidence or information regarding rights violations against protesters, law enforcement personnel, journalists, or innocent citizens to report such incidents to the commission via suitable communication channels.